Funeral services were held for Thomas Tumberg on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills, with Pastor Gerry Southerton officiating. Congregational hymns were accompanied by Louis Amberg-Jokela. Special music was provided by Kiersten Tumberg. Pallbearers were Chris Aho, Scott Tumberg, Marc Tumberg, Jacob Salo, Joshua Salo, and Aaron Salo. The honorary pallbearer was Jamie Aho. Tom was laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery, New York Mills.

Thomas Raymond Tumberg was born on March 19, 1943, at home on the family farm in Deer Creek Township, Otter Tail County, Minnesota. His parents were the late Richard and Esther (Fiskari) Tumberg. Tom was baptized and confirmed at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills. He graduated from New York Mills High School with the class of 1961. After high school, Tom farmed with his brother, Walter “Wally,” in Deer Creek Township. Tom was enlisted with the Wadena National Guard from 1964 to 1970.

On April 29, 1989, Tom was united in marriage with Julie Ann Salo at the Apostolic Lutheran Church in New York Mills. Tom retired from farming in 1996 and was then employed with Crop Production Services (Professional Agronomy) in Wadena, until his retirement in 2013.

Tom enjoyed keeping up with the Minnesota Twins, Vikings, and the PGA. Growing up, he, along with his brothers, cousins, and friends, could often be found playing ball in the pasture after church. Tom played one season for the New York Mills Millers during the ‘60’s. He also enjoyed golfing on weekends with friends and family. After leaving the farm in 1996, Tom took pride in sticking to his farming roots by maintaining a well-kept yard in town and making sure his new “livestock” was always fed – the squirrels and birds. He always enjoyed the company of pets over the years, whether they were cats or dogs. During the winter months and after retirement, Tom would love to spend time in his woodshop designing and building furniture for the house, as well as crafts and gifts for family and friends. The amount of time, passion, and detail he put into his work was admirable.

Tom’s faith in Christ and in the Church was strong throughout his entire life and never wavered. His smile was unforgettable, his laughter was contagious, and his stories would entertain you for hours. He cared for everyone and was one of the nicest guys you could know.

On January 5, 2024, Tom passed away peacefully at Perham Living in Perham, at 80 years of age. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.  Preceding Tom in death were his parents, Richard and Esther Tumberg; his sister, Anne Tumberg; and his sister-in-law, Bobbi Tumberg.

Tom is survived by his wife, Julie Tumberg of New York Mills; children: Nathan (Michelle) Salo Tumberg of Spring Valley and Ricky (Rachel) Tumberg of New York Mills; 1 grandchild: Catherine (Kit) Salo-Tumberg; siblings: Walter Tumberg of New York Mills; Reuben (Ellen) Tumberg of Sebeka; Kenneth (Anna) Tumberg of Blaine; and Mary (John) Aho of Wadena; brother-in-law, Clifford Tumberg of New York Mills; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and a host of friends.

Please visit www.karvonenfuneralhome.com to send Tom’s family a message of comfort and support.

Arrangements provided by Karvonen Funeral & Cremation Service of New York Mills.