Tommy ‘Pearly’ L. Gatz, 77 of Birnamwood, died on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Rennes Health and Rehab, Weston, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice.
Tom was born on February 4, 1949, in Wausau, the son of Stanley and Meta ‘Mickey’ (Jensema) Gatz.
In 1972, Tom was united in marriage to Linda Hanson in Mineral Point. They later divorced.
Tom graduated from Eau Claire Memorial High School before earning a degree in Police Science from UW–Platteville. Dedicated to serving and protecting his communities, he began his career as a Wisconsin DNR warden before continuing in law enforcement with the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. Tom also proudly served for 30 years with the Birnamwood Fire & Ambulance Department. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, being outdoors, shooting and collecting guns and spending time at his cabin. Tom loved traveling to Alaska, where he would pan for gold.
Tom is survived by two children, Daniel (Rachel) Gatz and Theresa Gatz; three grandchildren, Jaxon, Evelyn and Frank; siblings, Jeanne Gatz, Jim Gatz and David (Diane Williams) Gatz; brother-in-law, Gary Menard; sister-in-law, Ann Pretzel, as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Dean Gatz and sister, Patricia Menard.
A Time of Sharing will be held at 4PM on Thursday, June 25, 2026, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood. Burial will be in Forest Cemetery, Birnamwood. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 1PM until the time of sharing at the funeral home.
The family would like to thank Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice for their kind and compassionate care given to Tom.
Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com.
