MANSFIELD: Generosity is a practical expression of Love. Tom Freund’s charitable heart and desire to do things for people – not because of who they are or what they do in return – but because of who he was, was a glimpse into a kind heart of compassion.
Unexpectedly, Tom passed to the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, December 31, 2020. He was 54.
Born Thomas Jay Freund on June16, 1966 in Mansfield to parents George and Luella (Getz) Freund, he graduated from Ontario High School. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Ashland University and entered the insurance business, eventually becoming a very successful insurance broker with Integrity Insurance.
Not one to sit still, Tom was a lifelong entrepreneur and thrived in several additional businesses including a restaurant (What’s for Dessert), real estate (Freund Properties) and manufacturing (Klopfenstein Art Equipment Manufacturing). He was an extremely energetic and enthusiastic person as well as a talented businessman and was dearly loved by his colleagues and clients alike.
He supported several area ministries focusing on those who were in need: As former president of the board of Richland Pregnancy Services, he spoke for the unborn; as a former board member of Mansfield Christian School he promoted Christian education and as a sustainer of Global Lead he encouraged youth leaders spreading the Gospel across the world. Raised in the Apostolic Christian Church on Middle Bellville Road, Tom had more recently attended Crossroads Community Church.
Tom was passionate about his children and spent countless hours with them skateboarding, surfing, hunting, fishing, boating, and biking. He would often share photos of their many escapades together, and was continually planning his next adventure.
He will be remembered as an intelligent man with a big personality and an endearing laugh, who valued his friendships and his family.
Tom is survived by his beloved wife Angela Beth (Dean) Freund; two sons Max and Jack Freund, two daughters Lauren (Miles) Serman and Rebecca Freund; step children Ava, Gage and Jack; three brothers G. Randall (Dory) Freund of Mansfield, Bryan (Barbara) Freund of Phoenix, AZ, and Scott (Annamarie) Freund of Phoenix, AZ; his best friend Mark Taylor of Mansfield; numerous nieces and nephews, extended family members and lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents George and Luella Freund.
The Freund family will receive guests Friday, January 8, 2021 from 3 to 7 p.m. in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. Face coverings will be required, and occupancy limits may increase wait times. A private funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, with Rich Hoffmann officiating. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory to Richland Pregnancy Services or Global Lead, may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Freund family. Share a message of support with them – and watch Tom’s tribute video – online at: https://www.snyderfuneralhomes.com/obituary/thomas-jay-freund/.
