Todd was one of my favorite patients.  I'm his optometrist.  He was ALWAYS friendly, smiling and very courteous to everyone.  WE always looked forward to seeing him.  We miss him.  We share your sorrow.

John A. Wiener, OD
Amy Bott, Tech

My deep sympathy to Valerie, Olivia and all Todd's family and friends. You've lost a dear one. 

To me, Todd was friendly, courteous, humble. He was a great friend, an excellent listener. One of my faults is to talk-talk-talk and get all wrapped up in myself. As patient as he was, sometimes he would say, "I hate to be rude, but I need to go."  His way of interrupting my blather was so polite. It was funny that he would call it rude because I was the rude one!

I'm edified that Todd endured chronic pain, but was not mean or bitter. God help me to be more like him!  He was kind, thoughtful, a gentleman.

Someone we love has died. I ask myself: Is it better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all? Yes, absolutely it's better.  Even though it hurts! This is grief: waves of sadness, tears. shock, anger, regret.

I am consoled when I think of Todd meeting Jesus face to face. I believe Todd died as a friend of our Lord.  And that's something I can aspire to, like Todd's humility, politeness, and wry sense of humor.

Eternal rest grant unto Todd, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. 
Dave Buddle, Richfield Springs, NY

I had the privilege, honor, and pleasure of working closely with Todd for the past 20 years, and he left quite an impression on me.  He was very modest – never boasted, never brought attention to himself – he’d be very uncomfortable with these memories I’m sharing.
Todd had a great attitude – constantly in good spirits – never complained – never an ill word.
He was compassionate and service-minded – genuinely interested in others – consistently putting others first.
He was always, always ready to do what was asked – no matter how unglamorous or uninteresting or thankless – if that’s what the situation required, he was onboard.
Todd was strong – despite his physical challenges, which he never allowed to get in the way – emotionally, he was tough as nails.
He was unflappable – very mild-mannered – maybe a half dozen times in 20 years did I see him mad, but when he was, you knew it because he told you – “I’m ticked” – someone had just crossed the line.
Todd was observant and analytical – always thought before he spoke or acted.
He was meticulous and detail-oriented in his work – researched purchases to the nth degree. If you ever wanted to know what to buy, just buy what Todd bought – it was the best value, the best deal.
Todd never swore. How we didn’t wear off on him, I don’t know. It was a testament to his strength.
He was an engineer – he liked talking about cars, construction projects, anything mechanical.
Todd rarely buttoned his coat – I would ask him to please just do it for me.
His love of sweets was legendary, particularly chocolate – and if there were a plate of cookies in the kitchen, he would find them.
Todd was an inspiration and a joy to be around – a model for how to conduct yourself. He taught me more than I ever taught him.
I’m extremely proud to count Todd as a friend.


Todd was a very gentle soul with unmatched determination and zeal for life.  His character was something to marvel.  In the years I knew Todd he never complained nor showed others he was hurting.  Instead he lived his life with great dignity and purpose.  He always greeted you with a smile and embraced us with his unmistakable presence.  He will be surely missed!

As I sit in a distant airport missing this important day/week in Cincinnati, I cannot hide my tears, smiles and laugh-out-loud reactions to the messages/photos/video in Toddy's memorial.  There is little I could add in my own feelings and observations on the man that hasn't already been noted here.   A true gentleman with character and poise (even in in the most stressful of times) - along with his love for family and friends - has been, if anything, understated here.  His life was family and his love for Valerie and Olivia had to be the strongest ever recorded in history.

Todd was the first one on board when MeM was born.  His attention to detail and his dedication to launching the company left an everlasting impact on a place that makes a real difference in the world.   He laughed at us (and at himself) and kept everything in perspective along the peaks and valleys we all endured in the journey.  A true North Star that will live forever in our memory.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Toddy.  Keep the lights on for us all.

With love, Mary Ellen, Scott and our whole family



As a co-worker for many years, I will always remember Todd as a determined, intelligent, hard-working man with a big smile.  A very good soul, who lived his life with passion, respect for his fellow man and a deep love for his family.

Mark Twain said: “Let us endeavor to live so that when we die, even the undertaker will be sorry.” I will always remember Todd for having lived his life in this manner.

My sincere sympathies to Valerie, Olivia and all those who loved him.




A warm and ready smile, an open and giving heart.  You were a blessing to any whose path you crossed and I count myself as fortunate to have known you and worked closely with you for several years.  You leave this world a better place as your legacy will live on in the many whose lives you touched.  Rest in Peace.
Jeff Grainger

MeM is a blessing for the many customers we are fortunate to serve each day.  Our staff in Evansville, IN honors the significant contributions Todd made to this great service that has positively affected so many, and will continue to do so for years to come.



Todd Thank You for everything you've done through MEM to comfort other families during their time of sorrow. May God Bless you and your family. Wishing them an abundance of Peace and Comfort during this time. May they cherish your memory. -The Staff at Draper Mortuary Ontario Ca.

I have worked closely with Todd for the past 9+ years at MeM. Todd is part of the DNA of MeM. He always kept us on track and kept things moving – even the projects that no one got excited about. He had a genuine interest in other people’s wellbeing and went out of his way to make sure his coworkers were okay, never seeming to have a bad day himself. He enjoyed starting meetings with a bit of banter before getting to the topic at hand. I’ll never forget his smile, persistence or the way he called our lunch meetings to order by flicking the lights. 

We shared many stories of home renovation projects, vacations and family life. He was a proud husband and father and adored his family. He was a positive presence who will be deeply missed. 

The things you learn about someone working with them for over a decade...
Todd was a genuinely happy individual. He loved life, and he loved being around people. He loved to hear about your day and was quick to ask about things like your vacation and family. He was the type of guy that you find yourself wanting to be like.
Todd didn't let anything get him down. He was an optimist and always chose to have a cheerful perspective on everything - whether it was work or personal. It was refreshing to talk to him because he would smile and encourage you no matter what you talked about. He was constantly gracious toward everyone in his life and did a wonderful job of showing God's love to those in his life. 
Todd loved his family. You could feel the warmth in his voice whenever he talked about his wife or daughter. He was a family man, plain and simple. No guessing where his priorities were. 
Todd was a dedicated worker. He was regularly the last one to leave the office, and whenever he left the office for lunch, he would always tell us, "I'm going to grab a quick lunch." He was always mindful of his responsibilities and that others were counting on him. 
Todd was also a great friend of mine. I admired him and I will miss him greatly. His memory has already inspired me to live a life filled with compassion and joy. I pray for God's blessing and peace for his family as they remember his life. May all those whose lives he touched display the type of man he was. 
Sincerely,
Matt Brown

My heart goes out to Todd's family.  I had the privilege of speaking to and meeting Todd several times over the last 20 years.  He was a gentle giant in this industry who made powerful contributions.  May he rest in peace. 

It was a great honor and pleasure to have known and worked with Todd. Todd was a man of God who lived his faith. He is someone that I looked up to, admired greatly, strived to be like, and will never forget. Todd always had a smile for everyone, a smile that made you feel better and made you smile in return. Todd was the most loving and giving person I have ever known. A small example of his kindness was when I talked to him about "grabbers" for my brother who had recently lost the use of one of his legs. The next day when I got to work there was a "grabber" on my desk. I am sure Todd was greeted in heaven with great rejoicing.  ~~ Elise

Todd was one of my favorite people at MeM. He always had a smile and you could always count on him for a laugh. If ever you were having a bad day and went to his office you would come away with a smile. He would do anything for you and if he couldn't he would find out who could.  He was a wonderful man and  walked in his beliefs. He is truly missed. My thoughts and prayers to Valerie, Olivia and the rest of his family.

I didn't get the chance to spend much time with Todd but it was very evident from our interactions that he was a man who really cared about people, the most important thing we have on this earth.  

He was always quick to listen, asking how your weekend was or about different events of the day.  He was quick to encourage, in giving measured advice and demonstrating a genuine care in my life.  Following up to see how I was doing.  

He was welcoming, encouraging, and kind; never letting the struggles/pain of the day stop him from working hard to reach out to those around him, helping to establish MeM as more than a workplace but a family.  

I am deeply sad for his passing, but I am eternally thankful for the brief moment I got to spend with him.  My thoughts and prayers are for the Severtson family and friends as well as his MeM family.  

Todd was a great co-worker, friend and mentor and no matter what kind of day you were having, he would be able to put a bright smile on your face with his positive attitude.   He will truly be missed.

I met Todd on my first day at MeM in 2005.  In 13 years I don't think I ever saw him without a smile on his face.  He was always first to welcome you back to the office after a vacation.  He had a joy in life that we should all strive to emulate.  In his understated, bull-dog way, he kept our projects going and made sure that all voices were heard.  He was loved by many. 

To say he'll be missed in an understatement.  The office has lost a part of its soul and his absence will always be felt.  I'll miss you Toddy.

Todd was one of the most positive, encouraging people that I have ever met. He was always smiling and was genuinely interested in how I was doing. Todd lived out what he believed every day and I am privileged to have known him. Todd, you will be sorely missed.

Todd was a vault of information. I could go to him with just about any question. He always had an open door, and loved to help people. He knew just about everything; not only about MeM, but also about cars, electrical, plumbing, construction, and other issues. And I knew that if something needed to be fixed (like our lunch chime and rotating Christmas tree base), Todd would enjoying taking it home and fixing it.

I’m sure Todd had bad days, but he never showed it. He was always upbeat, smiling, and had a positive attitude. He never said a bad word about anyone.

I’ll miss him making a point to say good morning, either in person or by text as he had EVERY weekday morning for the last 5+ years. He always asked about my weekend plans. And every time I went out to dinner with friends, to a play or movie, or took my cats to the vet, he would always ask me about it the next morning. 

Todd was the official MeM Friday Lunch ‘n Learn meeting starter. When he got the nod from Steve, he’d flip the lights off and on, to let folks know that the meeting was starting. He had a way of flipping the light switches that no one else has been able to duplicate. We will think of him every Friday, as we start our LnL meetings.

On snowy, icy mornings I got a kick out of hearing his escapades “doing donuts” in his car in a deserted parking lot. He had a twinkle in his eye, like a little boy.

He was a one-in-a-million boss, and a one-in-a-gazillion friend. I’m so thankful that I got the chance to work with him, and become friends.

Todd was the beating heart of MeM – the solid one -  always there, always steady, always loyal, always helpful, always smiling, always willing, always wanting to do better, always putting others first, always loving, always supporting, always encouraging, always joking. Todd was the first one to greet you after being out of the office “Welcome back!”.  He was the Master of calling Lunch and Learn to order with the flickering of lights – NOBODY could replicate his technique and many tried but all failed... Todd loved sweets and would get a wild look in his eye if chocolate chip cookies were in the premises (loved the ones from Subway) but would give you a “yacky-face” if you mentioned something he did not like.  Todd was my first boss.  Todd once cooked a microwave fish-meal that made our office smell like a gym locker room.  He always had El Jinete left-overs for lunch on Mondays because that’s where Valerie, Olivia and him went to eat on Sundays.  Todd had the worst handwriting in the whole wide world – we would tease him and ask him if he wrote with the pencil in his mouth at times.  For the longest time he had oatmeal for breakfast every morning when he got to work – and his frozen meals for lunch (mac and cheese was a big one on the menu).  Orange fruit cups can be found EVERYWHERE in his office.  Todd drank water out of a very special cup that had pics of Olivia and Valerie – he would take that cup everywhere he went throughout the day – they were always with him.  He would always use his right hand to touch his goatee when he was thinking.  He kept his hair long and if I would ask him if he needed a haircut he would always say while running his hands through his hair “This is the way Valerie likes it!” Todd was always there for anyone going through a hard time – he would come and ask, he would listen and he would tell you that him and Valerie would be praying for you and were there if you needed anything. Todd never complaint – like NEVER.  He was a vision of commitment - to his family, to his church, to his work, to his friends, to life.  
Toddy, to say I’m missing you and going to miss you does not even begin to do justice.  I love you.  Thank you for sharing the past 17 years with me. 
 

I met Todd when I started working for MeM in 2008. Todd was a very kind person, and he was always interested in hearing stories about Scandinavia.  I enjoyed working on several projects with Todd. My thoughts go to his family. Take care.

Todd was a hot rod.  When he was a kid, he tore around on a moped he tricked out with his father.  He wore a black leather jacket throughout college that he claimed kept him warm during the cold and blustery North Dakota winter.  He drove a Mercury land-yacht for years and then traded that in for a supercharged Pontiac.  He did donuts in the parking lot at every snowy opportunity.  He got a 3-pound miniature pinscher and named it ‘Rocky’.  He wore his hair on the longer side because that’s the way Valerie liked it.  He didn’t need an umbrella when it rained.  He did wheelies in his chair for no reason other than he could.  He grew a goatee during a goatee-growing contest and then kept it.  He was known to occasionally wear cowboy boots and hat – just because.  When the supercharged Pontiac gave way to the family minivan, he did donuts in the parking lot with it…..in reverse.

Todd loved Valerie and adored Olivia.  He was the kindest, strongest and most faithful man I have ever known.  Godspeed Toddy.


Todd William Severtson touched innumerable people at a time of loss and grief in the most uplifting of ways.  His efforts have spared countless tears of sorrow and replaced them with tears of joy, smiles, and revived stories that may not have been told without his effort.  It's a special kind of hero, one that goes often un-seen and un-known.  He helped create an immortality of sorts with every everlasting memorial published.  While his life ended far shorter than seems fair, in the same time span, few will ever have the same impact.   My condolences are with the family, and I hope you are bolstered with the pride that people like myself have in the wonderful person you shared with us those many long hours in service to others.  For those who do so much in the service of others will have servants all around them in their time of need.  Life is so much more than the moment where it ended, it us up to those left here to tell the rest of that story, Todd made this a reality, and I wish the same for you.  Many blessings be upon you.

I never had the pleasure of meeting Todd in person but have worked with him via email on a regular basis for the last 5 years.  He was always very nice and quick to respond to whatever question or assistance I needed.  I will keep his family and friends in my prayers.

My sincerest condolences - Christina Martin


Todd was one of the warmest and most upbeat people I have had the privilege of meeting. No matter what kind of day I was having, I knew if I looked in on Todd, my day would be a little better. He's going to be dearly missed.

My deepest condolences to Todd’s family.  I first met Todd when MeM was first introduced in Louisville , Ky and since that time any time I needed assistance and help Todd was always willing with a smile you could hear over the phone.   We lost a valuable associate and a great guy.   May he Rest In Peace knowing all that new him had a great deal of respect and admiration.   He will be missed. 

My deepest condolences To the entire Severtson Family. Todd was the backbone at Making Everlasting Memories, always a helpful guide, and a warm and wonderful man. He will be missed by all who knew him and worked with him.

My condolences to Todd’s family. Thank you for your dedicated service and help all of these years. 

Michelle Balzano

Todd always had a smile, a greeting, and a kind word for all. He radiated God’s love to everyone. From the photos you can see that Todd loved children- they gravitated to him. He enjoyed triple chocolate cake at family gatherings. Todd was good natured & quickly renamed “Tide” when one of the kids took a call from him for Val. The name stuck & so did our love for him. He will be greatly missed & fondly remembered. 

My sincere condolences to the Severtson family! 

I worked with Todd for many years and he was a wonderful human being… Todd was always smiling, full of adventure and a joy to be around. We worked on many projects together and I will always remember how upbeat and passionate he was about his work and family life.  He was a true gem and he will be greatly missed.    

My thoughts and prayers are with your family. 

Todd was always super nice and he really did have a smile for everyone. It was a pleasure to work with him and to have known him. My condolences to his family, friends, and coworkers at MeM!

I did not know Todd, but I would like to express my condolence on your loss.  I know it is hard.  I am Shirley Ziklo's first cousin, Bonnie Jean Vance Miller.  Shirley and I are first cousins.  I live in Harrisonburg, VA, but was born at Onego, WV.


Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family.

Bonnie Jean

I will always remember Todd as the warm, welcoming face of Church of the Saviour.   He was such a large presence in the church, and I will miss him very much.  My deepest condolences to his family.


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Todd William Severtson

19 juin 1964 – 9 juillet 2018

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