Tom Fagerlin

Thomas Wayne Fagerlin - beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and friend to all - passed away peacefully Sunday, December 22, 2024 with his wife Barb and children by his side. 

 He was born July 13, 1943, to Harold and Dorothy Fagerlin in Belding, Michigan. He graduated from Belding High School in 1961. He first worked for Greenville Tool and Die. While working there, he started S&F Ice Sales, which later turned into Wonderland Ice Company. He provided jobs to numerous high school and college students, who learned much from him, some of whom he helped with college, and who still years later caringly referred to him as “Boss”. He retired in 2000 after a very successful career. 

 Tom was an artist all throughout his life. He first created beautiful artwork out of stained glass, honed his photography skills by taking photos of his children’s sporting events, then moved on to creating ice sculptures that were commissioned by restaurants, the LPGA, and adorned his children’s weddings and graduation parties. Most recently, he created the most fantastic creations out of wood, including rolling pins, bowls, knives, ring holders, charcuterie boards and more. Everyone who received a creation loved and valued them.

 Tom was never one to sit still. He cherished his time "Up North" at their cabin in Naubinway, surrounded by their wonderful friends. Tom found joy in the lake and all the beauty the UP had to offer. He had a passion for hunting, fishing, canoeing, sailing, and countless other outdoor activities. Tom and Barb loved exploring small towns, often visiting antique shops. Their travels together took them around the US and Australia where they enjoyed meeting new people and experiencing new places.

 He was a friend to many, whether it was playing cards with his Wednesday Night Card group, having lunch with friends (especially with Dennis Laux), or just enjoying time talking and laughing with his friends (including dear friends Stu and Jane Forth). People loved his kind heart, as well as his joking and teasing nature. 

 Throughout his whole life, he was generous with time, talents, and gifts. He belonged to the Belding Jaycees, where he met lifelong friends and contributed to the community through the work of the Jaycees. Tom and Barb created the Belding Exploratory Lab, a children’s museum they designed, fundraised for and donated generously so that the children of the community could visit it for free. He also contributed significantly to the Alvah N Belding library, creating the mural in (the previous) children’s library and donating a multitude of books–he loved reading and instilled a love of reading in his children. The list of all he did for the community could go on for pages. His community service was work so meaningful that he and Barb were honored with the Merill Russell Inaugural Community Service Award two days before his death. 

Tom was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Jim and Bill; and his sister, Kay Eckleberry. In addition to Barb, his beloved and devoted wife of 27 years, Tom is survived by his three children: Kimberly Long (Timothy) of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Pat Fagerlin (Trisha) of Rockford, Michigan; and Angie Tsai Fagerlin (Tony) of Salt Lake City, Utah and his two step-children Jason Wekenman and Aaron (Rachelle) Wekenman. He was an incredible father who rarely missed a high school sporting or band event, and who taught his kids to laugh, be kind, and work hard. He was a great person to get advice from and supported his children throughout all their joys and challenges. 

 Tom was very proud of his 13 grandchildren and was a tremendous grandfather to: Emily Long Birney (John), Abigail Lavoie (Patrick), Ellen and Jack Long; Joshua Fagerlin (Kelsey) and Zachary Fagerlin; Nate, Lincoln, and Theo Tsai; Chelsey and Kendra Wekenman; and Maddie and Isabelle Wekenman. He enjoyed recently becoming a great-grandfather to Thomas (Tommy) Fagerlin and Jack Birney. The grandchildren will always remember going up north to his cabin, going for hikes, their dog sledding experience in the UP, playing chess with him, and snuggling him during story time. All of his grandkids received special handmade gifts from him including wooden motorcycles and train sets, baseball bats, cooking knives, gorgeous personalized bowls, leather satchels, doll houses, and a playhouse. He was an incredible grandfather and will be so missed by his grandchildren. 

 Visitation will take place at Verdun Family Funeral Home, 303 S. Bridge Street, Belding, Michigan 48809, on Friday, January 3, from 4-7 pm, and the funeral will take place at Shiloh Community Church on Saturday, January 4, with a visitation from 10-11, and the Service beginning at 11:00 a.m.

Memorial donations can be made to the Belding Museum or the Belding Exploratory Lab (aka The Children’s Museum). 

The family is being served by the Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Please visit www.verdunfh.com for more information