Todd Harold Weinberg

With an undaunting spirit and tremendous strength, Todd Weinberg lived a life rich in faith, family, and friends. Todd was a kind man who welcomed everyone as a friend and whose integrity was most evident. He embraced life's joys and trials with gratitude and strength, inspiring all who were blessed to know him. Never one to require the spotlight, Todd was easily contented by being of service. Whether sharing his wit or wisdom, he did so with humility and encouragement. While our days with him were far too few, our time with Todd will forever be treasured. 1969 was a year of innovation and excitement. While the Beatles took the stage together for the final time, the Boeing 747 and Pontiac Firebird Trans Am made their debuts. 350,000 rock-n-roll fans peaceably gathered at Woodstock, and Neil Armstrong took his "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." Nowhere was there more excitement than in the home of Mel and Jo Weinberg as they welcomed their son Todd into their family on April 12, 1969. The middle Weinberg child, Todd grew up on the family farm in Scotts, Michigan, in the good company of his older sister, Molly, and younger brother, Chad. It was here that the seeds of his love for home and farming were planted, nourished, and rooted for life. He plowed his first field at 11 and relished in creating straight rows. At that moment, he knew his life's calling, and he soon became his father's apprentice. With a shared passion and commitment, Todd and his father worked well together. Todd attended Vicksburg Schools, where he excelled academically and loved being a valued member of the Big Red Machine Marching Band. A talented drummer, Todd enjoyed drumming for the school band as well as for his church's praise team. He later lent his talents to the Holy Moments group combo, especially enjoying playing for his brother and sister-in-law's wedding reception in Washington D.C. Todd proudly graduated with honors with the Vicksburg High School class of 1987. A natural servant and mentor, Todd eagerly welcomed opportunities to serve his community. As a young adult, he was active as a youth leader in his church. Todd was a valued member of the Kalamazoo County agriculture community. He served as past president of the Kalamazoo County Farm Bureau Board of Directors, was a member of the Kalamazoo County Conservation Board, and member of the USDA County Committee. At the age of five, Todd was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Despite the challenges that came with the disease, Todd centered his days in an unwavering determination to live his life fully and as a farmer. Regardless of the difficulties he faced, Todd met each day with quiet resolve and a firm, "that will work." At the age of 44, the disease had progressed to the stage where he needed a double-lung transplant which occurred at the University of Michigan Health Center in Ann Arbor. With complete faith in his God and in his medical team, he gratefully embraced the opportunity to do so. The transplant was amazingly successful and he was soon back working on the farm. Four years later, cancer became a new life challenge that required several surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments. With signature strength and faith, Todd faced each challenge with grace and gratitude. For three more years he continued farming, eventually taking over the operation and management of the farm. Realizing that the physical limitations were growing, Todd reluctantly retired earlier this year. One of Todd's greatest joys was having the honor of being an uncle to his nieces and nephews. As their treasured "U.T.," Todd enveloped each of them with care and commitment. A man who embodied the principles of his faith, Todd was a great role model. He encouraged each of their endeavors, always proved a safe harbor in life's storms, and always remained full of hope. Blessed by a loving family, good medical care, many friendships, and lots of prayer support from others, Todd was able to live a life he loved. In so doing, he showed each of us how to live a wholehearted and full life. As we mourn the loss of our faithful companion, may we find comfort in the privilege of carrying his legacy of faith and fortitude forward. Todd Harold Weinberg, of Scotts, passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2020, at the age of 51. He is survived by his mom, Jo Weinberg, sister Molly (Weinberg) Schake of Mililani, Hawaii, and brother, Chad Weinberg of Alexandria, VA. Also, brother-in-law, Mark Shake, and sister-in-law, Therra (Ebwe) Weinberg. He was uncle to Ryna Weinberg, Corban Weinberg, Phoebe Weinberg, Emily Schake, Wendy (Schake) Lyons, Daniel Lyons, Nathan Schake, and Brooke Schake. Todd is preceded in death by his father, Milford "Mel" Weinberg, in 2019. A Celebration of Life Gathering is being planned for September 19, 2:00 p.m. at the home farm, in Scotts. A private family burial will be at Boughton Cemetery. While at Todd's webpage at www.mccowensecord .com, please take the time to sign his guestbook by lighting a candle and/or sharing a memory with his family. Contributions may go to Michigan Foundation for Agriculture, ATTN: Kate Thiel, P.O. Box 30960, Lansing, Ml 48909 with memo notation: Todd Weinberg memorial. Another choice may go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Michigan Chapter, 2265 Livernois Suite 410, Troy, Ml 48083 with memo notation: Todd Weinberg memorial. The family is being assisted by the McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 409 South Main, Vicksburg, Ml 49097 (269-649-1697).