Thomas W. Fagerlin

1943 - 2024

Thomas Wayne Fagerlin - beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all - passed away peacefully Sunday, December 22, 2024.

Tom was born July 13, 1943, in Belding, Michigan, to Harold and Dorothy Fagerlin. He graduated from Belding High School in 1961. He started S&F Ice Sales, which later turned into Wonderland Ice Company.

Tom was an artist throughout his life. He first created beautiful stained glass and ice sculptures. Most recently, he became a woodworker and made fantastic children's toys, rolling pins, bowls, knives, charcuterie boards, and more.

Tom cherished his time "Up North" at the cabin in Naubinway, surrounded by wonderful friends and all the beauty the UP has to offer. Tom and Barb loved exploring small towns, often visiting antique shops. Their travels together took them around the US and Australia.

He was a friend to many, whether playing cards, having lunch, or just enjoying time laughing. People loved his kind heart and his joking and teasing nature.

Throughout his life, he was generous with time, talents, and gifts. Tom and Barb created the Belding Exploratory Lab (Children's Museum) and did much to support the Belding Museum. He also supported the Alvah N. Belding Library, creating the mural in the children's library and donating books. His community service work earned him and Barb the Merrill Russell Community Service Award, which they were honored with 2 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 Fagerlin (Tony) of Salt Lake City, Utah and his two stepchildren Jason Wekenman and Aaron (Rachelle) Wekenman.

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 Fagerlin and Jack Birney.

Visitation will take place at Verdun Family Funeral Home on January 3, 2025, from 4-7pm. The funeral will be at Shiloh Community Church on January 4, with visitation from 10-11a.m., and the Service beginning at 11 a.m. Memorial donations can be made to the Belding Museum or the Belding Exploratory Lab (AKA the Children's Museum) For additional information, please contact Verdun Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services at (616) 794-1300 or visit www.verdunfh.com.