Todd Holschbach

Todd Holschbach, 59, of Manitowoc, WI, died of cancer on March 13, 2024. Todd was born August 31, 1964 to the late Vernon and Dorothy Holschbach in Manitowoc, WI. Todd’s memories are filled with a great childhood that Vern and Dorothy created for him and his ten siblings. Todd attended St. Boniface School for his primary years where many lifelong friendships began. In high school, Todd developed a love of running that continued into his adult life. His favorite runs took him places where he could enjoy nature at its best. He also developed his love of cross-country skiing about this time. Years later he enjoyed participating in many Birkies with friends. After Todd graduated from Lincoln High School in 1983, he went on to study Political Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

In 1985, Todd met the love of his life and best friend, Andrea (Rasmuson), while working at their summer jobs. They married June 1, 1991. They lived in Madison until they moved back to their hometown of Manitowoc in 2006 to raise their family. Todd and Andrea enjoyed traveling and exploring this beautiful earth and Todd has passed on that love of nature to their sons, Kirill and Misha. Todd loved spending time with Kirill and Misha, whether that be canoeing the Boundary Waters, hanging out in Door County, talking about world issues, bird watching or just sitting by a fire. Todd’s biggest regret was having to say goodbye to the boys and Andrea. He was a great father and husband.

After graduating from college, Todd worked at the Wisconsin State Capitol helping solve constituents’ issues and influencing legislation. Environmental issues were of particular interest to Todd and he joined The Nature Conservancy in 2002. Todd served as the Wisconsin Government Relations Director until he retired in 2023. Todd dedicated his life to conserving natural spaces for this and future generations. Todd believed strongly in TNC’s mission which is to conserve the land and waters on which all life depends. Todd also previously served on the Manitowoc County Board, Manitowoc Public Library Board and the City of Manitowoc Tree Commission.

For three years, Todd was courageous and ever vigilant in his fight against cancer. He tried the treatments his doctors proposed while also using his curiosity to do his own research on promising studies and integrative medicine approaches. In the end, Todd was at peace knowing he had done all he could, leaving no stone unturned. However, the last three years did not define his life. Todd’s true legacy is in the way he lived his life. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, he loved listening to music and also enjoyed spending quiet time in nature including walking his dog Zephyr through Silver Creek Park. Todd was an avid reader and loved to learn about people, cultures and places. Todd knew laughter was good for the soul and was great at making others laugh as well.

Todd was blessed with many friendships throughout the years, his built-in friends which were his siblings, his neighborhood friends of 50 plus years, Madison friends, TNC friends, Manitowoc friends, and his nieces and nephews.

Todd was preceded in death by his father and mother, Vern and Dororthy (Reed) Holschbach, his brothers Vince, Keith and Leon, his sisters-in-law Pattie Mae and Mary Ellen and his father-in-law Ron Rasmuson. Todd is survived by his wife, Andrea, and sons, Kirill and Misha; three brothers, Kent, Randy (Ann), and Brian; four sisters, Mary Konkle (Tom), Cindy Holschbach, Jackie (Troy) Anhalt and Bridget (Jim) Kohler; sisters-in-law Debbie Holschbach, Sheila (Biff) Hansen; brothers-in-law, Tim Rasmuson, Steve (Rita) Rasmuson; and mother-in-law: Sally Rasmuson. Todd is also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, March 23 at Silver Creek Fieldhouse, 3001 South 10th Street, Manitowoc, WI from 1-4 pm with a Remembrance Service at 2 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to the family to go towards benches at a couple of Todd’s favorite nature spots or donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy- Wisconsin Chapter, 633 West Main Street, Madison, WI 53703.

We would like to thank our family and friends that have been so supportive. We would also like to thank The Nature Conservancy. They have been wonderful during Todd’s whole career but we are particularly appreciative for the care and love extended during his illness.

The Lakeshore Family Funeral Home, Pfeffer location, is assisting the family with arrangements.