Todd Nanninga

Outgoing, hard-working, and compassionate, Todd Nanninga lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. A man who embodied the principles of his faith, Todd always led with his empathetic, servant's heart, and eagerly found ways to help others. He welcomed each day as a gift and every person as a friend. Todd sincerely listened to everyone as though they were the most important person in the world. Whether working his job, tending his home, cheering on his loved ones' endeavors, or having fun in the pool, he was reliable, strong, and always available to others. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Todd will long be remembered and so dearly missed.

1958, the year the microchip was invented, NASA was formed, gas was only 25 cents a gallon, and unemployment was less than 2%. While the Packard ended production, National Airlines began the first passenger flights with the Boeing 707; Billie Holiday and Elvis Presley dominated the radio, and Candid Camera brought laughter to our homes each week. It was truly a time of hope and prosperity. Nowhere did hope reign more clearly than in the hearts and home of Ray and Jo (Postma) Nanninga as they welcomed their son Todd Benjamin to their family on October 21 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The fourth of six children, Todd was the firstborn son, whose three older sisters may have picked on him a little bit. When he got fed up with playing Barbie instead of GI Joe, the "tornado" would come out and destroy everything!

Todd's schooling began at West Side Christian School and continued at Grand Rapids Christian High School. During high school, Todd was very outgoing and social. He played football and wrestled, and as a prank, he and his football teammates once picked up the coach's VW Beetle and carried it to the top of the staircase.

While in the tenth grade, Todd finally noticed Mary Jo VanDam, who had been his classmate since elementary school and attended the same church. The couple saw a movie on their first date and were soon dating regularly.

After Todd graduated in 1977, he took college classes for six weeks and realized it wasn't for him. Fortunately, Mary Jo's father offered him a job at his business, Triangle Distributing. While Mary Jo attended Calvin College, Todd started in the warehouse of her father's business and was soon promoted to an on-the-road salesman, the youngest in the company's history. He loved sales and meeting people, and eventually earned the honor of top salesman, becoming part-owner of the company.

Shortly before Mary Jo graduated from college in 1981, she and Todd married on January 16, 1981, at their church, Highland Hills Christian Reformed Church. The newlyweds honeymooned at the family cabin on the Little Manistee River and settled into their first home on Dover NW before moving to Rosalie NW.

In 1983, the happy couple joyfully welcomed their daughter, Lisa, into their lives. In 1986, when their son Ben was born, the family was complete. Todd was a very patient and supportive father who enthusiastically cheered on their sporting endeavors. Even though he worked long hours, he constantly shuffled his schedule around to be at his kids' games and special events. Dinners were a very important family tradition, and often when Todd's dry humor was most evident. He always called the vegetable at dinner by the wrong name on purpose, and it never failed to earn a chuckle. When he arrived home from work on Christmas Eve, he'd proclaim he was tired and needed a nap before opening presents just to rile up the kids.

In addition to enjoying classic rock, Brooks and Dunn, a thick steak, and a fistful of whichever seasonal candy was in the candy jar, Todd liked bird hunting and trained his own German Shorthaired Pointer hunting dogs. He could think of a song for any occasion; it was uncanny how he could recall old song lyrics. It was a skill he likely honed during the many hours he spent in his car for work. In 1990, Todd and Mary Jo purchased a cabin across the river from Mary Jo's folks, where he loved to hunt and fish. He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes, quads, and later the side-by-side at the cabin as well as fires and wading in the river with the whole family. To relax he attended and watched NASCAR races as a loyal fan.

A longtime member of Westend CRC (formerly Highland Hills CRC), Todd regularly attended church Bible studies and served as an elder many times. He taught his own kids how to use various tools and use them properly. He earned the nickname "Todd the Toolman" from sharing his tools and tool knowledge when he contributed to building Westside Christian's playground and on a Youth Group mission trip.

Always practical, though Todd always loved fast cars, he never owned one, as it didn't make sense to own a classic muscle car. When he did purchase a car, he would research for at least a year. Once he made the purchase, he read the owner's manual cover to cover. Going with Ben to pick up his Tesla, and then later going to a Father's day dinner, and getting to drive it was a highlight.

Without a doubt, family was Todd's greatest joy. He cherished time with his family and teaching them how to do things the right way. Todd relished being a grandfather and was very involved in his grandchildren's lives. "Gramps" loved taking them to their events and on dune buggy rides at the cabin. He'd readily get down on their level to play with them and loved swimming with them in the pool at the house. He always said it was worth maintaining the pool so he could swim with his grandkids. Recently, the whole family shared another wonderful vacation on Marco Island. With now adult children, Todd and Mary Jo spent their time adventuring as a couple and with church friends. This included enjoying restaurants, trips, and social gatherings.

Though life feels far less certain in Todd's sudden absence, may we find much comfort in our many treasured memories. May we also find comfort in the honor of carrying Todd's legacy of abiding faith, enduring love, steadfast companionship, and unwavering hope forward. In each moment we greet a stranger as a friend, earnestly listen, generously share our time and talents, enjoy time outdoors, and gather with loved ones in faith and fellowship, we celebrate the countless ways Todd made the world a better place. In this way, we keep his memory alive and inspiring others as he so inspired us.

Mr. Todd Benjamin Nanninga, age 66, passed away unexpectedly on July 2nd, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Jo Nanninga; In-laws, Melvin and Florence VanDam; and brother-in-law, Mike Ruiter. Todd is survived by his wife, Mary Jo; children, Lisa and Matthew Fernandez, and Ben and Sam Nanninga; grandchildren, Lexi, Carter, Claire, and Luke. Also surviving are his siblings, Jan and Oscar VanEe, Betsy and Dave Huyser, Carol and Phil Brondsema, Amy and Phil Slachter, and Mark and Christina Nanninga; brother-in-law, Russ Van Dam; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday, July 10th, 2025, at Westend Christian Reformed Church, 1015 Westend Ave NW. Visitation will be held 1-3 PM and 5-7 PM on Wednesday, July 9th, 2025, at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home – Alt and Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Interment in Rosedale Memorial Park. Contributions in his memory may be made to Allendale Christian School or the Christian Education Fund at Westend CRC. Celebrate Todd's life online by sharing your favorite stories and pictures on his personal webpage at heritagelifestory.com