Thomas J. Gasman

Thomas J. Gasman, 91, passed away on August 7, 2024.  Tom was born on February 24, 1933 in Escanaba, MI to Raymond and Ethel (Spencer) Gasman, the last of 5 children: Raymond, James, William, Mary Ann and Tom. 

Tom attended and graduated from St. Joseph High School in Escanaba in 1952.  He joined the U.S. Army on March 5, 1953 and was discharged in 1955.  On April 12, 1956 Tom worked for the Meade Paper Company.  He married Donna Olson on April 4, 1957.  Tom and Donna had 4 children: Maudie, Julie, Tom Jr., and Richard.  Tom spent 9 ½ years at the paper mill and sold life insurance on a part time basis while at the mill. 

In 1965 the whole family moved to Appleton with Tom starting his own insurance company with General Life, Milwaukee.  This job specialized in life insurance and mutual funds pertaining to funding retirement plans.  In 1971 Tom added a partner because he now had 15 agents and needed help.  In 1973 Tom started a branch agency in Milwaukee.  In 1969 Tom expanded his personal production by joining the Million Dollar Roundtable.  In 1974, because of his personal production, he was asked by 74 top producers in the United States to form the International Forum.  Members of the Forum were the top financial planners in the country, now known as The Forum in Los Angeles, CA.  In 1974 a great time in the agency’s life, a corporate office was built in a field located at Northland and Ballard Road in Appleton.  This building still stands today as a milestone. In 1976, Tom joined the top of the table: the Million Dollar Table.  Over the years, from 1965 – 2000, Donna and Tom traveled with their children to many seminars and conventions. Tom enjoyed shooting pool and golfing.  All of their children were in the insurance business, along with three nephews.  Tom and Donna met many great people.  Needless to say, theirs was an enjoyable life.  They lived with the idea of “When you are green you are growing; when you are ripe, you are rotten.” Always expand your horizons. 

Tom would like to say goodbye to his daughter Maudie, son Tom (Janelle), his grandchildren and great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  He would also like to say goodbye to all friends, all the in-house staff of the T.J. Gasman Co. and all former registered representatives of the T.J. Gasman Co. whose name later changed to Planning Concepts.  In keeping with Tom’s wishes a private service was held.  For online condolences please visit www.valleyfh.com. 

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