Thomas L. Sundberg's Obituary
With hearts full of gratitude, we remember Thomas "Tom" L. Sundberg, whose gentle kindness touched the lives of all who knew him. He passed away on Tuesday, December 10th, 2024, at his home in Twin Lake, MI.
He was born on May 14th, 1931, to Gustav and Jennie Sundberg in Muskegon, MI. Tom graduated from Muskegon High School in 1949. After high school, he was drafted for service in the US Army during the Korean War. When he returned from the war, he built boats with his Lakeside neighbor Jack Tripp. It was through this work at Jack’s home on Muskegon Lake that a young Carol Tripp first laid eyes on, and ultimately fell in love with him.
She asked him to go fishing and five years later Tom and Carol married in front of her parents’ house on the lake on August 13th, 1960. Together, they navigated life’s seasons with laughter, love, and a constant care for each other for 64 years. They were soulmates. They had seven children, who were blessed to have Tom and Carol’s mutual respect and enduring love as the foundation of their home.
Tom continued to work with his hands. He built a successful logging business, Sundberg Logging. He would come home from long days in the woods, play with his children, and then retreat to his woodworking shop. He would craft furniture and toys that he would gift to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at every opportunity. Carol and Tom played endlessly in their gardens, which bloomed every summer to create a peaceful oasis in the woods, Tom’s favorite place. He took care of the landscape and the animals that inhabited it, feeding the birds and the deer for him and Carol to watch from their deck, cold beer in hand. He will be so missed.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Carol Sundberg; six children, Jean Marshall, Sue McGaffigan, Mark Sundberg, Kay Latsch, Dan Sundberg, Rob Sundberg and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gustav (Jennie) Sundberg; son, Tom Sundberg; and brother, Donald Sundberg. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements entrusted to The Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 737 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI 49442. Share memories with the family at www.sytsemafh.com
What’s your fondest memory of Thomas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Thomas?
Share a story where Thomas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Thomas you’ll never forget.
How did Thomas make you smile?