Thomas L. Sugden

Thomas L. Sugden, age 82, of Freedom passed away surrounded by those who loved him on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. He was born on July 23,1943 in Neenah, Wisconsin, son of the late David and Dorothy (Campbell) Sugden. Tom graduated from Neenah High School in 1961 and went on to progressively be promoted through multiple positions at the paper mill where he worked for 46 ½ years. He retired as an employee of Sonoco, but he always joked that he worked for four different companies and never had to leave the building.  He spoke often and fondly of his “fun” jobs before he started the mill, which included: working with horses, giving trail rides and driving cars for Gibson auto.  Tom also enjoyed working with his hands, he built the family cottage near Hayward Wi and did upholstering as a side job.  Early in life his hobbies included horses, water skiing and the CB radio.  Later his joy turned to traveling. His favorite spots were in Hawaii on the island of Kauai where the chickens ran free and the Road to Hana on Maui, Disney World, Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon and Mount Rushmore. 

Tom is survived by  his children: Dawn (Kevin Brewer) Thompson, West Lima; Carrie (Rob) Killian, Freedom; Kim (Gary) Bunnell, Shiocton; grandchildren: Matt and Brock Killian; Ben, Nathan (Kayla), Andrew (Haley), Jacob (Catie)Thompson; step -grandchildren: Sam Yeek; Alyssa Jacob; sister: Susan Larson, Appleton; brother: Dennis Sugden; sister-in-law: Sandy Sugden, Oconomowoc, mother to his children: Jane Sugden, Neenah; six great grandchildren and many special nieces and nephews, and his beloved English Setter, Pepper.

 In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Karren; a son-in-law, Jeff Thompson and a stepson, Daniel Yeek; brother, Robert Sugden and brother -in-law, Jim Larson.

Tom was a member of Peace Lutheran Church, Neenah. The Funeral Service for Tom will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 12:00 pm, at Verkuilen–Van Deurzen Family Funeral Home (N3972 Columbia Ave, Freedom WI 54130) with Rev. Ricky Schroeder and Rev. Marshal Frisque officiating. Friends will be received on Monday at the funeral home from 10:00 am until the hour of service. Interment will be in Highland Memorial Park, Appleton. 

A special Thank You to the Staff at Country Villa - Freedom for their wonderful, kind and compassionate care