Todd Bennett Kirkegaard, 57, of Dakota City, NE passed away late Sunday night, August 11, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center.

A memorial service will be held at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel on Friday, August 16, 2013 at 11 a.m. with Reverend Roger Madden officiating. Online Condolences may be given at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Born on August 14, 1955, Todd was the third of eight children born to Phillip Clayton and Ruth Jane (Allum) Kirkegaard. He grew up in Sioux City and was proud to have attended Central High School in its last year of operation. He graduated from Sioux City West High School and attended Iowa State University.

Todd loved nature and preferred to work outdoors in its midst. At various points he worked on hog operations and with the soil conservation service. Intermittently in his life, Todd could be found driving taxicabs at night – allowing him the freedom to pursue outdoor interests.

At the time of his death, Todd was a territorial manager for Town and Country Lawn Care Services in Sioux City. He was a faithful, hardworking employee, beloved by his customers, who requested his services and sang his praises.

Growing up and working on farms lead to a big love of animals for Todd. A cat would be nestled in his lap while he watched sports or a history program or read a book, and a dog would follow him faithfully around as he did chores.

Working cattle, caring for hogs, riding horses or breaking mules to drive - all were completed with a kindness that mirrored Todd's gentleness towards animals.

Todd liked to work with his hands. He was creative in designing decks, walls and walkways. Often, Todd could be found sitting on his parent's porch with a good cup of coffee thinking and creating.

When baling hay with family members and neighbors, his task was to make the stack because of his ability to visualize and build a stable structure. Whatever he would visualize, he would meticulously bring into being.

Whether it was hunting for morel mushrooms, picking wild plums or harvesting a garden, Todd enjoyed preserving the bounty of nature. He made jellies and pickles and froze corn and dabbled in making beer and wine.

He loved to prepare and eat a good home cooked meal – he never met a plate of mashed potatoes and gravy he didn't like, and when the gravy was gone, there was always plenty of his mother's home-made cream corn to take its place.

Music was an integral part of Todd's life. He introduced and shared his eclectic tastes with his siblings. The soundtrack of his life included classic rock – like The Who, psychedelic rock – like the Grateful Dead, traditional folk – like Burl Ives, country – like Johnny Cash, and hard rock – like Deep Purple. He enjoyed all types of music, but perhaps his favorite artist was Kris Kristofferson with his ability to tell a story through song.

Todd spent many hours around a card table. Whether it was playing cribbage with the Sioux City Cribbage League, pinochle with his family or poker with friends, he was an avid card player.

Todd was a private person who kept his own counsel, yet he was always willing to lend a hand to friends, family, and neighbors. Whether it was to move furniture, build a deck, paint a house, shovel a driveway, or keep his mother's lawn, he would always help.

From the jars of sweet pickles and tomato preserves on his basement shelves to the hand sewn kitchen curtains and glass prisms catching the sun and casting rainbows about his home, Todd was a sensitive, thoughtful man, who enjoyed simple pleasures in life.

Todd is survived by his three children, Clayton Kirkegaard of Pomeroy, IA, Shane Kirkegaard of Ames, IA, and Shawn Kirkegaard, of Pocahantas, IA; two brothers, Colin (Kathy) Kirkegaard, Kirk (Robin) Kirkegaard; five sisters, Paula (Gideon) Kilonzo, Kay Kirkegaard (Dan Zebarth), Bonnie Kirkegaard, Dora (Glen) Houts and Carin Kirkegaard (Kenneth Cool); three uncles, Dale (Pat) Kirkegaard, Milo (Rita) Kirkegaard and Wayne (Mary) Kirkegaard; four aunts, Faye (Kirkegaard) Cobb, Carolyn Kirkegaard, Norene (George) Langan and Shelia Bowar, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Todd was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and one nephew.

Memorials may be given in Todd's name at The HEAR Foundation, 141 W. Jackson, Ste. 1404, Chicago, IL 60604.