Thomas James Gammell, Jr. was born November 10, 1950 in Ashlyn, WI to parents Thomas and June Gammell. Tom died August 1, 2016 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 65 years.

Tom grew up in the foster care system and graduated from high school in Wisconsin. He lived in Oregon, Minneapolis and for the last 7 years in Alcester. He was a city man and loved meeting the people of Alcester. You would often see Tom walking around town with his best friend, his beagle Buddy. They would walk all over making friends along the way. Tom was very proud of his Native American heritage and was an enrolled member of the Bad River Chippewa Reservation in Wisconsin. Per his wishes, Tom will be cremated and his remains will be scattered along the Oregon coastline.

He is survived by his children, Thomas Gammell III, Burnadette Gammell, Michael Rodriquez, Maria Rodriquez, Michele Rodriquez, Mackenzie Rodriquez, Stephanie Gammell and Lindsey Gammell; his grandchildren and great grandchildren; a sister Yvonne Gammell and his dog and best friend Buddy.