Todd “Mo” Morthland, 56, of Morrison, IL, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, at home, from esophageal/liver cancer.
Todd was born June 1, 1967, in Morrison, to Douglas and Jean (Marshall) Morthland. He was educated in the Morrison schools and was a 1985 graduate of Morrison High School. Todd received many accolades during his school career including: 2nd place in the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition; Little League All-Star; First Team All-Conference Offensive End and Linebacker; Sterling Gazette All-Area Team; First Team Quad-City Times Western All-Area Offensive End; a Basketball letter; named Homecoming Attendant his Senior year. Todd received a Football scholarship to Iowa Wesleyan University, where he played for one year. He then transferred to Northern Illinois University, receiving his Associates Degree, in Landscaping and Small Business. Todd had a variety of jobs over the years, but his most treasured was his own business of 20+ years, Todd’s Lawn and Landscaping. He had an extreme love for nature. He often could be found outside planting or tending to the flowers and shrubs or mowing and feeding the birds and squirrels.
Survivors include his son, Connor “Peanut/Little Mo” Morthland of Morrison; parents, Douglas “Pops” Morthland and Jean “Mom” Reed both of Morrison; sister, Tammi “Sis” Morthland of Morrison; niece, Addison (Dylan) Steinke of Dayton, OH; aunts, Cheryl (Robert) Corzatt of Oquawka, IL, and Ruth Morthland of Morrison; uncle, Al Morthland of Rock Falls, IL; several cousins; many special friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents; uncle, Donald Morthland.
Since Todd’s diagnosis in June, he created a bucket list that he was able to almost fully complete; even reconnecting with a High School classmate and spending a week in Florida recently. He would often state, “There’s another piece of the puzzle.” Special thanks to friends of Todd’s and the family; Barry Bielema; C. J. Rubio; Jackie Woodman; Randy Planthaber.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
A private family Graveside Service will be held at Grove Hill Cemetery, in Morrison, IL, with Ken Renkes officiating.
The Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial has been established to FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) camp scholarships for Morrison youth.