Todd Howard Kenward

Todd Kenward, age 77, died May 25, 2026 at New Richland Care Center. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026 at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Mankato with Pastor Steve Kosberg officiating.  Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until time of service. 

Todd was the second of five children born to Howard and Helen (Schostag) Kenward. His sister Ann (Kenward) Swenson, along with Howard and Helen, welcomed him into heaven with a happy hour. They are likely sitting in yard chairs, having a drink and eating cheese and sausage on a Triscuit. Todd is survived by his wife Kathy Kenward, his brother Robert (Ann) Kenward, his sister Mary (Steve) Kosberg, his sister Barb (Bob) Rolfes, and his brother-in-law Don Swenson.

Todd grew up on Mulberry Street and Orchard Road in Mankato, Minnesota. Growing up, Todd spent time with his siblings and friends in the neighborhood and said he loved fishing and swimming off the dock at Wild Rose Resort. They have other stories to tell, just ask them. When he became a husband and father, he especially loved spending time with his family. He chaperoned many Boy Scout trips, took all the kids — and most of the grandkids — canoeing and bowling, and watched countless hours of baseball, soccer, and whatever sport a kid happened to be playing. Todd and Kathy attended countless music and theater performances starring their kids and grandkids. Todd was always up for a game of cards, and this legacy lives on as his grandchildren all know how to play cribbage and make some of their best memories around a game table.

Todd married his sister’s best friend, Kathleen Ann (Trask) Kenward, on September 19, 1970. Over the years, Kathy and Todd, along with Ann and Don, enjoyed many visits and treasured time together. Todd and Kathy had three children and eight grandchildren: Noel and Sarah (Bleess) Kenward, Brant and Maren (Scott); Erin and Stephani (Mickelson) Kenward, Jaeden (Ana), Jordyn, and Kalan; and Rachel and Kevin Mueller, Paisley, Violet, and Summer.

One of Todd’s most perfected skills was bragging about his children and grandchildren. He was known to exaggerate and believe every word. He thought his kids and grandkids were amazing, outstanding, and exceptional at all times, and he would tell you that repeatedly.
Todd was a loyal man who treasured life long friends who shared his interests: being outdoors, watching sports, and enjoying porch-sitting time with a cold one. Whether on the back deck, at the lake, making maple syrup, or on a baseball trip, these friends were special to him and continued to love and support him even as he became ill and his adventures kept him closer to home. 

Todd had several jobs in his younger years. He was happy to do a good job wherever he went and instilled the belief that when you do something, you do your best and leave it cleaner than you found it. Later, Todd began working at the Hy-Vee grocery store in downtown Mankato and worked there for more than 25 years until his retirement.

Todd also had a heart for community involvement and volunteering. He helped with many events at Belgrade United Methodist Church, where he sang in the church choir and played in the handbell choir. He was active in his sons’ Boy Scout troop and donated to causes important to him. After retirement, he volunteered with food distribution through Second Harvest Heartland and delivered Meals on Wheels.
Todd was a man of heart and quiet strength. He was genuine, giving, and grounded in his faith. He gave hugs and said I love you. He could tell a ridiculous story, enjoy a Grain Belt Premium, take his daughter out of school at lunchtime to go canoeing, and take his grandkids shopping every Christmas for Toys for Tots. He enjoyed playing cribbage, trips to the Boundary Waters, and hiking through the local river valley in search of morel mushrooms. He played church league softball for many years. He loved his wife deeply and insisted every pie she made was award-winning. He called her “Silver Fox” with complete sincerity — she was constantly beautiful to him, and he loved her more every year.

If you are so moved, the best way to honor Todd is to look around your community and fill a need. Pay for a teenager to go to summer camp. Help distribute food at a food shelf. Pick up trash along a trail the next time you hike. Tell your spouse they are amazing. Volunteer at the local concession stand. Pass out ice water at the summer parade. Volunteer to sing in the choir. Attend a Bible study. And never hesitate to give advice, even if you have no experience in the subject. Causes Todd would support include Echo Food Shelf, Second Harvest Heartland, or a charity of your choice.