Thomas N. Gulovich

Thomas N. Gulovich, age 81 of Appleton, WI passed away on January 17, 2026. Tom was born on November 2, 1944 in Freeport, IL, son of the late Nicholas and Germaine (Graham) Gulovich. He graduated from Aquin Central Catholic High School in Freeport, IL in 1962. He went on to receive his Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Business Education from Bemidji State University in 1966. On August 19, 1967, he married Mary M. Rife. In June of 1975, he received his Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Tom taught high school business classes in MN and WI for 34 years. He was a high school coach for over 30 years in a variety of sports, with basketball being his passion. He officiated varsity high school football and youth soccer. Tom retired from education and coaching in June of 2000.

Tom loved playing tennis socially and competitively; golfing with friends and family; and duck hunting in the fall with his best friend, Al. Cross-country skiing and biking with Marg and two other couples on several trips were full of fun for many years.

After moving to Appleton in 2006, Tom became involved as an usher, sacristan, office volunteer, and St. Vincent de Paul Treasurer (3 years) and President (10.5 years) at St. Pius X. Catholic Church. He instituted and maintained a food pantry at St. Pius X Church for SVDP for over 15 years. During this time period in Appleton, Tom struggled with alcoholism. Tom’s faith in the Catholic Church was embraced and strengthened during his recovery. With the help of God, the support of his family, and the help of all his A.A. friends, being free from alcohol gave him the chance to love live more fully up to the time of his passing.

Tom is survived by his wife of 58 years, Marg Gulovich; his two children, Tim (Kari) Gulovich and Stephanie (Todd) Thomas; and three granddaughters, Ellie and Anika Gulovich and Samantha Thomas. He is further survived by his sister-in-law, Alice Pierce; and two of his beloved wife’s brothers and sisters.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents; two baby children, Mary Cecilia and Thomas Lee; his brother, Jim; Marg’s brothers, Don and Jack; and Marg’s sisters, Carol and Connie.

A memorial visitation will be held for Tom from 9:30 – 11:00 AM at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 500 W. Marquette St, Appleton, WI 54911 with a mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Tom will be laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Grafton, WI at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials to support ThedaCare Behavioral Health Program for Alcoholism Recovery and Cancer will be greatly appreciated.

Tom’s family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses, and other supporting staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center in Neenah and Appleton for their care, compassion, and expertise shown to Tom during his time of need.