Dr. Thomas “Tom” H. Gietman

Dr. Thomas “Tom” H. Gietman, 66 of Fond du Lac went to his heavenly home on Sunday, December 14, 2025 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison, WI. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. His “great hair” and deep set dimples made an unforgettable impression on those who knew him. Tom set a high bar for those he leaves behind.

He was born on February 1, 1959 in Appleton, WI the son of Peter and Barb (Brennecke) Gietman. He was a graduate of Kimberly High School, class of 1977 where he was active in Band, Football and Powerlifting. Tom attended UW-River Falls 1977-1981. Before leaving River Falls, he met his future wife Lori. Tom earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from Marquette Dental School of Milwaukee in May 1985. In July of 1985, he took over a private dental practice in Mt. Calvary, WI… Retiring in June of 2021. He often bragged of his coworkers and patients as being the best! (It was a joy for him to go to work).

On August 13, 1983 Tom and Lori J. (Israelson) Gietman were united in marriage at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Bloomington, MN. They lived in Milwaukee while Tom attended Dental School… and moved to Fond du Lac (where they still reside) after deciding on purchasing the Dental Clinic nearby.

Tom and Lori were blessed with raising four amazing children together and welcomed three more wonderful children through marriage.

Tom embraced life to the fullest. Faith was the center of his life. Tom and Lori have been members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Fond du Lac since 1985.

He loved following and supporting his children in academics, music and sports. These days, the grandchildren gave him his greatest joy… reading books and giving boat & tractor rides especially up North at his favorite getaway in Tomahawk.

Tom was an avid animal lover, especially Standard Poodles and leaves behind 6 month old, Casey.

Tom was a huge Packer Fan. He was very proud of his signed Jerry Kramer #64 jersey and his four season tickets on the 45 yard line at Lambeau Field.

He had a passion for music and traveled to Warsaw, Poland with his High School Jazz Band, playing his beloved “Naked Lady” Tenor Saxophone. Continuing that affection for Jazz and symphony music to this day, he attended many concerts regularly.

Tom was a certified pilot for many years in the early 2000’s. As he became less mobile, he regularly followed airplane stories told from the pilot’s point of view on-line.

He made many unforgettable memories Deer & Turkey hunting with friends and also at his biannual golf outings.

No one will ever forget: the amusing “Christmas Letter” Tom composed every year and mailed just after Valentines Day —Or the Halloween Parties that never lacked his creativity.

He is survived by his wife, Lori; his children Jake (Nikki) Gietman of Taycheedah and their four children Charlotte, Maci, Harper and Kendall, Brad (Lizzy) Gietman of Howard and their three children Henry, Lucas and Claire, Kim (Dillon) Huth of W. DePere and their children Emerson and baby due April 2026, and Mike Gietman of Fond du Lac; his two sisters Connie Verbruggen (KC Maurer), Jenni (Rick) Roberts; his sister-in-law Mary Bolland (Ross Cadwell); his nieces and (both are) Goddaughters Kaiti (Mike) Van De Hey of Kaukauna and their children Odin and Zeke and Alisha Bolland (Mitch Bright) of Rosemount, MN; his “favorite” nephew Peter Verbruggen of Kaukauna; Godmother Nellie Bekx of Kimberly; his Uncle John Gietman of Port Charlotte, FL; his Aunts Karen Gietman of Kimberly and Joan Grimmer of Annandale, MN; his lifetime friends Scott Van Fuss (Sara) of Appleton and Brian Baumgarten of Little Chute; our special family friend Nik Nelson of Fond du Lac; his many loving cousins; and his many amazing friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barb and Pete Gietman; his parents-in-law, Ed and Betty Israelson; his Brother-in-law Todd Verbruggen; his Godfather, Ted Bekx; his cousins Paul J and Matthew Grimmer; his close friends, Scott & Mari Behnke and Bill & Laura Grondin; and many loving Aunts and Uncles.

VISITATION: Friends may call on Thursday, December 18, 2025, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Zacherl Funeral Home at 875 Division Street, Fond du Lac and on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at St. Peter Catholic Church at N8079 Church Road, Malone, WI.

FUNERAL: A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11:00 am following visitation on Friday, December 19, 2025 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Malone. WI, with Father Fernando Torres officiating. A summer burial will be planned later, date tbd.

Tom unselfishly decided to donate his organs so that others could live a more meaningful life. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses of the 5W

Intensive Care Unit at St. Mary’s Hospital in Madison for their compassionate care of Tom over his last 10 days.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Forever in our hearts; we will miss you, Tom!