J. Michael Todd

John Michael “Mike” Todd, age 68 years of Niles, Michigan, father, grandfather, brother, companion, and musician died peacefully at 8:24 p.m. Thursday evening, December 23, 2021 at his home following a brief illness.

He was born on May 4, 1953 in Niles to John C. and Marie J. (Powers) Todd, Jr. and was graduated from Niles High School.  He was employed as a landscaper for the former God’s Green Earth of Niles for many years.  He has lived in Niles most of his life.

Mike attended Hope Community Church where he served on the Worship Team as a guitarist, and led the Youth Praise Band for many years.  He enjoyed playing the guitar, and was a fan of the classic rock genre.  While he worked during the day in landscaping, he really enjoyed taking care of his own yard, making good use of his favorite tool – the John Deere lawn tractor.

He was previously married to the former Karen Roland; and was later married to Barb Cochran who preceded him in death on March 21, 2014.  He was also preceded in death by his parents, and by his sister, Jacqueline Marie Todd on February 4, 1995.

Surviving family includes his children, Fawn (& Kevin) Eiler of New Richland, Minnesota, Jyl Todd of Minnesota, and Katrina Todd of Kenyon, Minnesota; grandchildren Finn Eiler, Oliver Eiler, Noah Eiler, Jonathon Todd, Jaxson Swanson, and Landon Phillips; Mike’s sister, Jyl (& Ken) Chupp of Florida, a step-brother, Dan (& Jackie) Brown of Colorado, and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life for Mike Todd at Hope Community Church will be announced at a later date on this webpage.  Contributions in memory of Mike may be made to the Youth Ministries of Hope Community Church, 2390 Lake Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120, https://hopeofniles.com/ .  Arrangements were made at the Halbritter-Wickens Funeral Home, 615 East Main Street in Niles.  Online condolences may be left at:

www.halbritterwickens.com

Mike clearly enjoyed the gift of life; taking the raw materials of nature to groom into a pleasing landscape, knowing that the “finished product’ would change with the weather; and making music with his guitar, also knowing that – as soon as music is played – it is gone.  Each of these pursuits being mindful of the Creator who provides the land and weather, and the music and the senses by which it is enjoyed.