WAKEFIELD, Mich. – Milford "Chum" Londo, 91, of Wakefield, died Monday, Dec. 3, 2012, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield, where he had been a patient for six years.

Chum was born on May 25, 1921, in Green Bay, Wis., son of the late Clinton and Jewel (Wilton) Londo. He grew up in Pequaming and attended school there.


Chum proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Force from Nov. 12, 1942 until Oct. 25, 1945. Among his accomplishments were flying 51 missions as a B-24 navigator with the 67th Bombardment Squadron, 44th Bombardment Group (Flying Eight Balls) of the Mediterranean Theatre of Operations in Europe. A certificate 'For Valor' was awarded to him for his unfaltering courage. He also successfully participated in the June 26, 1944 attack on a German aircraft factory, a target of highest priority, in Vienna, Austria. Chum was a lifetime member of the Wakefield Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084 and Wakefield American Legion Geroux Post 11.

On Sept. 14, 1946, Chum was united in marriage to Geraldine Fruick in Bessemer. She preceded him in death on Sept. 13, 2001, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease. He faithfully dedicated those years to her care and comfort.


Chum was employed by Connor Forest Industries in Wakefield, as a truck driver for most of his working career. He also worked for White Pine Copper Company for a time. After retirement, Chum and Gerry spent the winter months in Arizona for 11 years, traveling the western states and enjoying the sights, the people they met and the air bases and air history museums along the way.

He had a great sense of humor, loved to make people laugh, and was known for his infectious smile and gleam in his eye. Chum found joy in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved spending time in the woods, at camp, hunting, making wood and just puttering.

Chum is survived by his son, Neil (Elizabeth), Wakefield; three grandchildren, William and Clinton (Lisa), both of Wakefield, and Melanie (Ronald III) Lawrence, Shawano, Wis.; three great-grandchildren, Kayla, Nathan and Mylee Londo; and a host of friends he made while residing in the nursing home.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by in-laws, Buckley and Nel Fruick, Richard and Rachel Erickson and Phyllis and Jim Beck.

Cremation has taken place. Honoring Chum's wishes, there will be no services.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel in Wakefield is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.