Thomas London 1949 – 2024
The memorial service celebrating the life of Tom London of Eagle Bend will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, at the New Life Church of God, Bertha MN, with Pastor Paul Johnson presiding. A gathering of family and friends will be held at the church on Saturday from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will be in Peace Evangelical Cemetery, near Bertha, MN.
At the age of 75, Tom passed away surrounded by his family on June 16, 2024, at his home in Eagle Bend, MN.
Thomas Webster London II was born to Clifford and Dorthea “Dettie” (Meyer) London on January 13, 1949, in Berkely, CA. At the age of seven, Tom’s family moved to Hawaii. Here he learned to surf and fell in love with the outdoors. He had many adventures, including a trip to Japan with his father, an encounter with a great white shark in Hawaii, exploring Arizona on horseback, nearly being run over by a tree while working as a logger in the New England area, and breaking his pinky finger while tickling his daughter. He wanted to enjoy life and wanted others to enjoy their lives and to do things that made them happy.
He studied Forestry and Art at Prescott College in Arizona and later attended the plumbing course at MState Technical College in Minnesota. He found a livelihood in a variety of jobs, including medical and mental health care, using his friendly nature and personal background to help others. In hours away from work, he was a talented woodworker, gardener, an avid reader, and a kind storyteller.
Tom moved to Minnesota, buying a schoolhouse in 1972 where he resided until 2009. He farmed the land early on with cows, pigs, and a couple of goats. On June 7, 1980, Tom was united in marriage with Wendy K. Greiner. They made their home and raised their family of two boys and two girls north of Bluegrass, and attended Leaf River Church where he formed many friendships. He and Wendy later parted ways.
Tom married Jode (Eiswald) Freyholtz on June 26, 2010, at the Missionary Alliance Church in Staples. They lived in Eagle Bend where Tom put his energy into farming the land and supporting Jode as she started Wellness in the Woods.
Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Cliff and Dettie; siblings, Ellsworth London, and Alice Bishop; and father-in-law, Ray Eiswald.
Forever loved, Tom is survived by his wife, Jode; his children: Joel (Molly) London of Park Rapids, Joshua London of Sebeka, Margaret “Meg” (Trevor) Laidlaw of Pelican Rapids, Elizabeth “Beth” (Eric) Wayne of Fargo; Jode’s children: Kari (Dennis) Summers of Brainerd, Andrew (Ruth) Freyholtz of Hewitt, Laura (Tim) Hernandez of Brainerd and Adam (Ashley) Freyholtz of New York Mills; 28 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren; along with mother-in-law, Darlene Eiswald.
Urn bearers will be Joel and Joshua London, and honorary urn bearers will be all of Tom’s grandchildren.
Arrangements with the Schuller Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services, Bertha, MN Online condolences may be left at www.SchullerFamilyFH.com.
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