December 29, 1950—June 8, 2020
TOMAH - Walter “Happy” W. Gilmore, 69, of Tomah, WI, passed away June 8, 2020. He was born on December 29, 1950 in Tomah Wisconsin to Verne Gilmore and Grace (Young) Warner né Gilmore.
Walt was a person of great character who touched the lives of many. If you ask anyone, they would tell you that Walt’s work ethic was incomparable. Throughout his life he was always doing something, whether that be mowing lawns, shoveling snow, working a farm, or seasonally harvesting cranberries. Being part of a large family, he learned at an early age that the most important thing in life is the people you have by your side. He was relied on by his siblings and is at the center of countless joyful memories. It’s no doubt though, that his greatest achievement in life was being a father. He talked continually of the pride he had for his children. His love for family and friends persisted even as he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved into the Greenfield House where he made even more meaningful connections. His memory may have suffered but his ability to connect with people did not.
He is survived by his children, Kenny Gilmore and Kali Johnson; his grandchildren, Hannah and Hunter; his sisters, Shirley (Don) Harmel of Tomah, Yvonne McCrory of Portland, OR, Linda Gilmore of Tomah, Dianne (Lewis) Shaw of Necedah, Sandra Lincoln of Madison, Karen Sue (William B.) Dorn of Tomah; his brothers, Robert (Mary) Gilmore of Akeley, MN, Henry “Al” (Doreen) Warner of Mauston, James (Cheryle) Warner of Mayo, FL, Terry Gilmore of Norwalk; many nieces, nephews, and close friends whom he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Henry Warner; his niece, Sandra (Harmel) Blacklock; and his sister-in-law, Tina Gilmore.
There is no doubt Walt will be remembered as a kind, generous, and “Happy” person.
A Memorial Service was held Saturday, June 13, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home, 801 E. Monowau Street, Tomah. Visitation was held one hour prior to services at the funeral home. He was laid to rest at Oakdale Cemetery.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences may be left at www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
Sonnenburg Family Funeral Home
