Gilbert H. "Gilly" Bloom, age 83, died on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Columbus Health and Rehab, Columbus. He was born on March 6, 1942 to Gilbert and Catherine (Clauer) Bloom in Mineral Point, WI.

Gilbert was married to Linda Parkos on October 12, 1961 in Mineral Point. They were married for over 60 years and together had five children. Gilly was a teacher for 33 years at Madison East High School in Madison, WI.

Gilly — also known as Dad, Grandpa, Bumpa, Pa, and Uncle Gil — was one of a kind. He lived life on his own terms and made sure to enjoy the simple things along the way.

His lifelong dream was to have a farm, and he made that dream come true when he moved his family to Hampden Township. He brought his horses with him — he'd been riding since he was a kid — but the plan was cattle, and he was especially proud of his Simmental-Angus herd. Over the years, he helped his kids, Glenda and Kirk, and a lot of 4-H and FFA kids show cattle at the county fair. He was happiest tinkering around the farm or driving his John Deere tractors — especially his old A and B models with their classic "putt-putt" sound.

Gilly loved hunting and fishing. Some of his best memories were made hunting the "Back 40" in Mineral Point with Kirk and the boys. He even went on a few fly-in fishing trips up to Canada — though he'd tell you the fishing was great, but the flying part was not.

For years, Gilly hosted a good old-fashioned Mulligan. He'd pull out his big black kettle and make a chicken and veggie soup (absolutely no carrots), while friends brought a vegetable to toss in and their own bowl and spoon. It was about more than soup — it was about community, laughter, and sharing stories.

Gilly spent his career as a Technical Education teacher, teaching high schoolers about small engines, woodworking, auto mechanics, and drafting. He also coached the Sophomore Pure Golders football team at Madison East High School and bowled in a league with his fellow teachers. He loved working with his hands and helping kids learn skills they'd use for life.

He was a homebody at heart. He loved hanging out by the fire pit in the driveway, cracking a Busch Lite, sharing stories, telling jokes, and giving people nicknames that always stuck. He lit up around his grandkids and loved spending time with the daycare kids Linda cared for. And he never missed a weekly "Safety Meeting" with the local farmers — just a good excuse to catch up and share a few laughs.

Gilly was the kind of person who left an impression — honest, hardworking, quick with a joke, and always ready to lend a hand. He'll be missed more than words can say, but his stories, his laugh, and the way he made people feel will live on.

Gilly is survived by his wife Linda of Columbus; four daughters Glenda (Jerome) Crook of Columbus, Brenda Bloom of Sun Prairie, Amy Bloom of Arkdale, Kimberly (Peter) Steiner of Burlington; daughter-in-law Deb Navis of Beaver Dam; eight grandchildren Jamie (Jeremy) Gross, Andrew (Ashley) Crook, Rebecca (Randy) Freitag, Andrea Tuschen, Timothy Tuschen, Cassie (Joseph) Bouxa, Trevor (Vani) Steiner, Tristan (Kaitlyn) Steiner; seven great grandchildren Zoe, Leah, Benson, Avery, Allister, Flynn, Brayson; sister Maureen Ubersox of Mineral Point; brothers-in-law Marshall Anderson of Platteville, Lee Markley of New York; other relatives and friends.

Gilly was preceded in death by his parents; son Kirk Bloom; sisters Mary Lou Markley, Bernetta Anderson, Elizabeth Poad; parents-in-law Charles and Vivian Parkos.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M. on Saturday, October 11, 2025 with visitation beginning at 9:30 A.M. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, East Bristol. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, East Bristol.

Memorials may be directed to Columbus FFA or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

A special thank you to Columbus Rehab Center staff and Dr. Sam Poser.

We encourage you to share your online condolences with Gilly's family at jensenfuneralandcremation.com