Todd Lee Hemmes, 55
Todd Lee Hemmes, age 55, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 28, 2020, at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minn., from pneumonia, complicated by Lewy Body Dementia.
Todd lived the past 19 years with a Traumatic Brain Injury from an accident. He survived the odds from the moment his life changed. We were blessed to have him these extra 19 years. Because of this unprecedented pandemic year, Todd was transferred from Hennepin County Medical Center in the Twin Cities and greatly cared for at St. Mary’s. His nurse held his hand when we went to his forever Home. Todd’s residence was a group home in Fridley, Minn.
Todd was born on Sept. 27, 1965, to Wilbert and Leona (Campeau, Gooselaw) Hemmes in Hallock, Minn. He was a carefree, fun-loving young man. He graduated from Humboldt-St. Vincent School in 1984. In high school, he played sports and loved to sing. Todd worked a few different jobs: bartending, custom combining, snowmobile repair in winter months.
Like his Dad, he had a love of farming. He farmed for his brother, Marshal, up until his accident. He enjoyed shooting pool and getting together with friends. After coming back from his accident, through frustrations and set-backs, he kept fighting to be the best he could be. He was always willing to help and be productive in any way he could. In 2016, Todd was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia and slowly his body started deteriorating further. He did keep fighting to stay strong. His favorite saying was, “It is what it is.” He had family guardians/caregivers that guided him during the beginnings of his changed life (Laurie and Kip Monson, Judy and Rick Schneider, Greg Hemmes). They gave him security and safety in every aspect of his care. Family near and far was so grateful to them all.
Todd was born (second to the youngest) into a large family.
He is survived by siblings: Philip (Sandra) Gooselaw of Lake Stevens, WA; Marilyn (Karl) Sylling of Spring Grove, Minn.; Reginald Hemmes of Las Vegas, Nev.; Bradley (Susan) Hemmes of Humboldt; Deborah (Jacob) Kopylov of Mesquite, Nev.; Marshal (Lorna) Hemmes of Humboldt; Denise Gruber of Mesquite; Darlyce Hemmes of Bellingham, Wash.; Gregory (Kimberly) Hemmes of Kennedy, Minn.; Brother-in-law Rick Schneider of Blaine, Minn.; and many nephews and nieces.
He is preceded in death by: his father and mother, Wilbert and Leona; sister, Judy (Gooselaw) Schneider; brother, Francis Gooselaw; brother-in-law, Douglas Gruber; sister, Eileen Hemmes; sister, baby girl Hemmes.
A very special thank you to St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth and Hennepin Medical Center in Minneapolis for Todd’s care. Our health care providers deserve our utmost gratitude always and especially during this pandemic. Our appreciation and thanks to Integrity Living Options – Todd’s group home in Fridley; and all the caregivers who were responsible for his day-to-day living. A special thank you to Brianna, who was a major part of Todd’s care in his group home ever since he arrived. Todd’s family is so grateful for your part in his life. God Bless all of you!
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 2, 2021, at 10 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, Humboldt. Interment will be in St. Vincent Cemetery, St. Vincent, Minn. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service.
Austin Funeral Home, Hallock, is in charge of the arrangements. www.austinfuneralchapel.com
