Family and friends are invited to gather for a Celebration of Life honoring Todd at 2:00 p.m. on January 3, 2026 at the East Moline American Legion. All who knew and loved him are welcome to join in sharing stories and memories.
Todd was born August 26, 1961 in Morrison, Illinois, the son of Marion Keith Saathoff and Marlene Louise Lucas. He graduated from Riverdale High School in Port Byron, IL. He then served in the US Air Force. After his military service he attended and graduated from the Police Academy in Springfield, IL. He worked part-time at many local police departments over the next few years, including Matherville, Hampton and Carbon Cliff. He later was a full-time police officer in Byron, IL. From there he went to work in Las Vegas in casino security for several years. Todd returned to Illinois and became Police Chief in Atkinson, IL until 2004.
Todd was a lifelong lover of baseball and softball. He found his greatest joy on the diamond. More than a fan of the game, he was deeply passionate about serving as an umpire, a role he appreciated with dedication, fairness, and pride. Whether calling it a close play or mentoring younger officials, he believed in the integrity of the game and the lessons it taught – respect, discipline, and teamwork. He enjoyed watching generations of players and umpires he worked with. Softball and umpiring were not just a pastime for him, it was a calling.
Todd started with Little League in baseball and softball in the 1980’s. He was very active with little league softball as an umpire and traveling umpire since 1997. He also umpired for the ASA and the USSSA until his death. He even worked at the World Series level of softball in Rockford, IL.
He is survived by his sister, Tamara Laud, brother Tim Saathoff, nieces Tabitha Denys and Bridget Saathoff, nephew Brett Saathoff, and two special ladies he considered his daughters, Taylor Lockhart and Katie Weston. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and a nephew, Matthew Saathoff.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Todd, please visit the floral store.
