Todd Allen Nedbalek was born October 20, 1968 to Sharon Ann Huggins at Greeley, Colorado. Soon after, she married Robert Joe Nedbalek, who adopted Todd in mid-1969.
Though he often described himself as understanding that he was a colicky baby, Todd was a healthy, curious and active child. He was a bright and eager student of things both educational and of life itself, most interested in science and nature. As a pre-teen, he was often heard to say that his life’s ambition was to both own and pilot the first commercial space craft to and from the planet Mars. Appointed to the United States Air Force Academy, many thought he might be headed to make that a reality, but his life went in other directions.
In August of 1991, Todd married the love of his life, Jenni Hillary, a union to which three children were born, Jenna, Nicholas and Maggie.
Todd loved the outdoors, and seemed always busy helping others with the tasks of life. But he was most passionate about food. Whenever someone called him a chef, he always countered by saying, “I’m a cook; I feed people.” He seemed most happy and at peace in the kitchen.
Todd passed away at home in Deer Lodge, on Sunday, November 15, 2020. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sharon, his Step-dad, Doug, and his brother, Mike. He is survived by his wife, Jenni, and his children, Jenna, Nick and Maggie “Moo”, his father, Rob and step-mom, “Mother Lori”, brothers Wade, Trebor, Glenn, David and Johnathan and sisters Chris, Tara and Danyelle, and many nieces and nephews, whom he cherished.
Todd returned to Montana, intent upon returning to the place he called home, in the Bull Mountains outside Roundup, Montana. He talked often of his memories of that place, on Harper’s Coulee; which always included his dog, Poacher, his pig, Guy, (who thought he was a dog,) and his chickens.
Paul, in Romans 6:4-5 said, “Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.” Todd firmly believed that he was joined to Jesus Christ in his baptism and would be joined to him in resurrection.
Henry David Thoreau said “Spring is a natural resurrection, an experience in immortality.” A memorial service is planned in the spring, and his ashes will be spread in the place he called home.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Todd. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Todd and his family.
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Joel Moesta says
Todd was one of the best cooks and one of the nicest guys I ever knew. He was a friend and I am going to miss him. Some of my most fond memories were playing D&D at his house in the summertime years ago.
Dan and Donna Moesta says
Todd was like extended family to us. Loved his quick wit, his dry sarcasm, his teaching heart. I loved my cooking lessons from him. Talked with him last week, all he said over and over, was how he loved his kids and how proud he was of all of them. He will be missed and we are very sadden of Todd’s passing.
Carla Rizor says
Todd worked with us as our Sous Chef and after leaving our employ would return from time to time, when we needed help in the kitchen. I remember one evening when our kitchen had closed for the evening and Todd had completed his closing duties, we had a couple come in to our restaurant. Our bartender explained to them that our kitchen was unfortunately closed. Todd overheard the conversation and explained to the couple that his kitchen equipment was turned off but that he had dinner options for them. He went back to the kitchen, prepared their dinners snd even served them to them. Todd did not have to do that, it was not expected but this is one memory that always endeared him to me.
Thank you , Todd, for all you did for us, the County Seat, and our guests and for the great memories. Rest In Peace dear friend, your battle is over.
Anna Piscopo says
Anna Piscopo
Anonymous says
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
Aunt Annie says
Firstly, I would like to thank the individual that wrote this wonderful obituary.
I haven’t seen Todd(y) since his grandma (my mama) died and rarely before that, so I can only speak to the beautiful child he was. He had an insatiable thirst for knowledge at a young age and a sweet gentle heart. While I will mourn his passing I will celebrate his rise to glory.
Thank you Robbie Joe.
Robin says
Robinleehood1960@gmail.com
Anonymous says
He called me his sister. My deepest condolences to Todds family. I will miss his phones calls. I know he is at peace now.
Chris Jenkin says
I worked with Todd for many years at County Seat in Hastings. He was so talented! One of the best Chef’s I ever worked with. He was a good friend and always protected his servers. He will be missed .
Doug & Norma Jean Acker says
My husband and I met Todd through the County Seat but he also brought his then young daughter, Jenna to Afternoon on Broadway performances and cooked while we had many cast parties for Thornapple Players . Todd was a good chef and an honest person even when things were difficult. He cared about his family, friends, and co-workers and was willing to help in any way he could. He had a great welcoming mischievous smile. He will be missed. May his family find peace and comfort in happy memories.
Josh Bosier says
I had the pleasure of working with Todd at the Kellogg Biological Station. He was truly one of the most talented, knowledgeable , conscientious and fun people I have ever worked with. I have many fond menories of Todd and we shared a lot of good times together. I will miss him and my condolences to his family and friends.
Michelle Baumgartner says
I had the privilege of working with Todd at County Seat. He always made my days better. His smiles, smirks and pride in his plates was a blessing. Fly Free Big Man!
Mistye Dawn says
“No more sorrows, no more pain” as my mom whom resides in the Mountains. I am honored to have gotten to know Todd within the past year. You asked if it was ok to sit with me on my front porch…We shared a very common interest in old county music, had many of the same views about the world, and joked about you and I being “mountain people”. You loving the west and me the east… Such an HONOR Todd..a pure soul. You will be missed.
Mistye Dawn