Todd Rollenhagen

Ernest Todd Rollenhagen of Livonia, known as Todd to his friends and family, passed away suddenly at age 54 on June 17, 2024. He was born on January 3, 1970 in Lansing, Michigan to his loving parents, Bonnie Elva (née Beck) and Gordon Ernest Rollenhagen. 

Todd is the beloved and devoted husband of Kim (née La Plante) Rollenhagen; father to Alea Rollenhagen, brother of Mindy (David) Walters, and uncle of Emma and Tanner.

He is especially loved and will be greatly missed by his childhood friends, the Musson Boys: Jeff, Brody, and Jason. Gregg Minnebo, his best friend from college and fellow gearhead, and Craig Soderstrom a lifelong friend whom he met while spending summers at Lakeshore Campground. The Musson boys were like brothers to Todd. Since moving back to the east side of the State last year, one of his greatest joys was spending time with Jason and Julie Musson’s children: Mitchell, Rosie, and Lola. He considered himself fortunate to be a part of their lives, and he tried to attend every game, practice, or event that he could.

He graduated from Plymouth Salem High School in 1988. He was a defensive lineman on the football team, a swimmer, and a member of the marching band. He and his high school friends also appointed themselves as the honorary mangers of the girl’s swim team.

Todd attended film school at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Todd worked as an editor for The Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer shows. He created and developed two successful businesses: ionpost Editing House and Campfire-Pictures. Todd was the senior editor on a number of independent films, and he is the proud recipient of an Emmy Award for his outstanding work in artistic and technical accomplishments in the TV industry.

Todd’s family describes him as a “tinkerer.” He loved taking things apart in an effort to fix them or just to see how something worked. His curious nature contributed to a constant learning of new things. Todd had many interests that resulted in numerous creative pursuits. He enjoyed working on cars and working with wood. He was happy to build Kim anything she desired, and his workmanship was perfection in her eyes.

Todd absolutely loved driving. Whether he was in his Jeep, RV, or the family’s 1971 Cutlass, driving was a true passion. He and Kim enjoyed many road trips together, and they spent the majority of his last year traveling throughout the USA and Canada. 

Todd was very intelligent, and he had an incredible amount of knowledge to share if asked. Todd was never boastful about what he knew, and Kim was often in awe of his intellect.

Above all the successes and awards in his life, Todd loved his family, his friends, and most of all his adoring wife Kim. Todd and Kim were high school friends who met in Chemistry class when Kim began to write all over Todd’s shoes and pants in an effort to flirt with him. Her effort’s payed off. They shared a beautiful friendship through college, and they were lucky enough to find each other again in their later years where they enjoyed life and love as best friends. Friends and even Todd himself would remark that he lived to make Kim happy. His romantic gestures were daily. He would wake each morning and ask, “What do you want to do today, Buttercup?” He would end each night holding her hand while they slept as he told her how much he loved her.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home at 280 South Main Street in Plymouth, Michigan on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 from 3:00-7:00 PM, and the Memorial Service will begin at 7:00.

Those who wish to honor the memory of Todd Rollenhagen are invited to consider a contribution in Todd’s name to a local dog shelter or rescue of their choice. Spending the day cuddling and spoiling your own pup would also be an excellent way to hold Todd in their hearts. He was preceded in death by his two rescues, Dakota and Tabby that he cherished as friends and members of the family.