Tom Freng

Thomas Craig Freng, 85, of Yankton passed away November 22, 2025 at Pioneer Memorial Nursing Home in Viborg, SD, surrounded by his family. Tom’s visitation will be Tuesday, November 25, 2025 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Memorial services will be 10:30 am, Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at Vangen Lutheran Church in Mission Hill. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.okfhc.com. Livestreaming of Tom’s memorial service may be viewed at: https://server.attend.live/static/event/o2AQK. Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home of Yankton is assisting the family with arrangements.

Tom was born December 10, 1939 to John M & Ruth A (Olson) Freng. He graduated from Volin High School in 1958. Tom married the love of his life, Sharon J Gustad, on October 7, 1961, and enjoyed 50 years of marriage. Tom was drafted into the U.S. Army, and was stationed at Fort Hood, TX from 1963-1965 in the 117th Engineer division. Tom anxiously returned to South Dakota and his roots in rural Mission Hill and the farm his grandfather started in 1902. A place he treasured and proudly tended until moving to town in 1993.

Farming was truly Tom’s passion. He loved working the land, raising crops, and livestock, and being part of the rural life he cherished. Tom also brought his strong work ethic to jobs ‘in town’ at Fred Haar, Mark’s Machinery, Stockmen’s Livestock. After retirement, Tom found great joy in mowing at Lewis & Clark Recreation Area for 15 seasons, making friends with campers and staff.

Tom and Sharon spent many happy years together raising their children, Randy, Chris & Erica on the farm, and building a life rooted in hard work, love and community. Tom found joy building a collection of toy tractors and later riding his 4010 John Deere (the first tractor he ever bought) with the Tri-State Old Iron Association.

Tom had great love for his family and found joy in his granddaughters and great grandchildren. In the last few years watching the great-grandkids as they played and explored always brought a smile and sparkle to his eyes. Tom never met a stranger and was a friend to everyone. His warm smile, light humor, and kindness made people feel welcome wherever he went.

Tom is survived by his son, Randy (LeeAnn) Freng, Mission Hill; daughter, Erica (Brock) Sundall, Chamberlain; granddaughters Katie (Tyler) Doty, Mission Hill; Karlie Freng, Mission Hill; great-grandchildren Avery, Teagan & Reed Doty; brother Steve (Marianne) Freng, Huron; Don (Beverly) Freng, Medina, TX as well as several nieces and nephews.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, son Chris, parents John & Ruth Freng, mother in-law & father in-law Einer & Berniece Gustad, sister in-law & brother in-law Virgil & Evelyn Mellem.