Thomas T. Cota

Thomas T. Cota, age 88 of Gillett, passed away on Monday, March 16, 2026. Tom was born on December 16, 1937 to the late Ted and Mildred (Hohn) Cota in Oconto. He graduated from Gillett High School with the class of 1955 and then served two years in the Army. On July 8, 1961, Tom married Janet Zima at St. Casimir Catholic Church in Krakow. Tom began his banking career as a teller at Suring State Bank in the 1960's and then as a cashier at the State Bank of Green Valley. He returned to his roots at the Suring State Bank and served as the last president before it was bought out. Tom then ended his career as the vice president of First National Bank in Suring.

Tom was very active in the community, serving on many church and civic organizations, including the Community Memorial Hospital Board. He was a member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans and the American Legion. Tom was also a 3rd and 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of St. John Catholic Church in Gillett. He greatly enjoyed spending time outdoors, especially at the family hunting cabin on the Rat River and at the Shabodock Shack.

Tom is survived by his 2 children, Dan of Krakow and Linda (Mark) Malkin of Middleton; sister, Judy of Green Bay; brother, Mark (Kay) of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; brother-in-law, Tim (Nancy) Zima of Green Valley; sister-in-law, Sharon Zima of Pulaski. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet; parents; father and mother-in-law, Joseph and Sophie Zima; brother-in-law, Bob Zima.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Serenity Gardens, Unity Hospice, Gillett Area Ambulance Service, Bellin Hospital, and St. Clare Hospital for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Tom and his family during their time of need.