Thomas Gallion, 84, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Milestone Memory Care in
Eau Claire, Wisconsin on February 18th, 2024 with his loving wife of almost 63 years at his side. Tom was born April 17th, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to his parents Milton and Margaret (Roddell) Gallion.
Tom grew up in Milwaukee in a home filled with music. He took his love for music and obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and then a Master's degree in Music Education at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. Throughout his college years, he was a drummer in the band Coral Combo, played clarinet in the college bands, and met the love of his life, Doreen Appelmann, through a blind date.
Tom and Doreen were married on June 24th, 1961 in Milwaukee shortly after he finished college. In August 1961 they moved to
Cambria, Wisconsin, where Tom started his first teaching job at Cambria-Friesland schools as a band director. He was there for 18 years. While in Cambria, Tom and Doreen were blessed with two children, son Dennis and daughter Beth. Tom and his family then moved to
Janesville, Wisconsin so that he could teach at Parker High School. After 20 years, Tom and Doreen retired and moved to Island Lake, Wisconsin, where they lived their dream of living on a lake.
During Tom's retirement, his passion for music continued. He was asked to substitute teach for local schools as a band director and joined the Chippewa Valley Concert Band as a clarinetist and later the Communiversity Band at UWEC-Barron County Music Department. Tom shared his love of music with his grandchildren. He taught them how to play their instruments, went to their many band concerts, assisted them with their solos for Solo Ensembles, and even arranged and directed a family Christmas concert with the grandchildren for several years.
Outside of music, Tom enjoyed fishing on the lake with Doreen, going on annual trips with his son, son-in-law, and brother, Jim, and spending time with his family. Tom was an avid Wisconsin sports fan and enjoyed reading. He was never without a book to read. He was a proud grandfather to 5 granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and recently 1 great-grandson. He enjoyed watching them grow throughout the years.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Doreen Gallion; son, Dennis (Diane) Gallion; daughter, Beth (Brian) Jannusch; grandchildren, Amanda (Michael) Fiez, Haley Bird (Dan), Callie (Sawyer) Cutsforth, Zach Jannusch, Jordan Gallion, Cole Jannusch, and Stephanie Gallion; and great-grandson, Kashton Cutsforth. Tom is also survived by his brothers, Bob (Kathy) Gallion, Jim Gallion, and Phil (Susie) Gallion; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Milton and Margaret Gallion.
Special thank you to the caring staff at Milestone Memory Care, Heartland Hospice, Lily Hospice, and the Celebration of Life Center.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, from 2-4 pm with service to follow at 4 p.m at Chippewa Valley Cremation Services – Celebration of Life Center (1717 Devney Dr, Altoona). A luncheon will follow the service.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) at
[email protected] or at the Wisconsin Foundation for School Music at https://foundation4schoolmusic.org/donate-now.
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