Thomas Harley Gillingham Jr., 74, of Janesville, passed away after a long journey with dementia on July 1, 2026. He was born October 13, 1951, to Thomas H. and Cheryl J. (Starkey) Gillingham, in Richland Center, WI. Thomas had many homes during his life, including Portage, Clinton, Beloit, and Mercer. He graduated from Mercer High in 1969. Tom enlisted in the United States Marine Corps right after graduating. He was honorably discharged as sergeant E5 in 1973. 

He returned to Beloit and immediately asked Laura S. Woodman to be his wife. Their six year friendship resulted in their marriage on November 17, 1973 at the Shopiere Congregational Church; It was opening deer hunting day and he could always say “he bagged his doe”. She always said she got her buck, but her rack was bigger than his. Together they shared many life adventures and trips. He spent almost 40 years working for Hormel in Beloit. Other side jobs include; Back-O-The-Yards, Diamond Lanes, Viking Lanes, and the Beloit Moose Club. Tom and Laura were avid bowlers and spent many vacations around State and National Tournaments. Tom was inducted into the Greater Beloit Bowling Council hall of fame November 1, 2003, and was recognized for superior performance and meritorious service. He bowled for 30 years in Beloit, rolling two 300’s; the first for him and Pulaskis in 1987. He also compiled five 700 series. He bowled on the Moose mixed league with Laura, for 24 years, the All-Star Classic League for 22 years, and a few years at Bowl-aire and Cougar Lanes. Tom also bowled at the ABC nationals for 25 years, and had the honor to roll with Walter Ray Williams in 1990 at Back-O-The-Yards, in Janesville. He was Beloit Men's Bowling Association board of director for 10 years, and secretary and treasurer for 7 years. Tom also played softball, golfed, and was a life member of both the Marine Corp League and Beloit Moose #191. Tom and Laura invested in a small trailer with Laura’s “adopted sister” Julie Dahlgren at Eagles Nest, in Camp Douglas in 2003. They spent many fun weeks on the lake, taking in the cranfestival and enjoying their many nest friends and families.

Tom is survived by his wife, Laura, and sons, Ryan (Shannon Murphy) Gillingham, Kane (Shera) Gillingham, sister, Chris (Chad) Lindaas, Bob (Deena) Chauncey, ten grandchildren; Tyler, Emily, Kati, Harley, Lorelai and Cecelia Gillingham, Brady, Bryce, and Alexis Biba, and Lydia Murphy, several cousins, aunts, uncles, and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, grandparents, sisters; Brenda and Lynn, brothers; Johnnie, Bill and Cal Gillingham. 

The family would like to thank all of the dedicated staff, nurses, and friends at Cedar Crest where Tom resided since 2023. A heartfelt thanks to Sharon and all the hospice staff for their care and concern as well. 

A memorial service will take place at Brian Mark Funeral Home- Beloit on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 1PM. A visitation will be held from 11AM until the time of the service. Inurnment will take place following the service at Shopiere Cemetery with Military Honors.