Todd Nathaniel Okerstrom

Todd Okerstrom passed away peacefully October 16, 2024 in Tampa, Florida after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted family who will continue to honor his legacy by living their lives to the fullest with love, joy, and a song in their hearts. Born on October 27, 1953, Todd lived a life filled with family, adventure, passion, and style. He grew up in Traverse City, Michigan where he attended high school. Todd and his siblings were taught the beauty of the great outdoors by their parents, Roy Theodore “Ted” and Shirley (Symmonds) Okerstrom. He mastered cross country and downhill skiing and sailing on the Great Lakes. He also loved biking, hiking, and swimming. In high school, Todd enjoyed singing with the Choralaires and the choir. He notably played Tevye in the TCSH production of “Fiddler on the Roof”. He worked summers at the Park Place Hotel, where his father was the General Manager. As a young man, he developed a life-long passion for cars hanging out with one of his dear friends, Frank Hagerty. Todd loved to name his cars: Ernestine (a ’39 Chevrolet Master Deluxe Sedan, The Red Sled (a 2007 Cadillac XLR-V convertible), and Lucille (a ’67 Lincoln Continental convertible) that he lovingly restored in his retirement. Todd cherished holidays, special occasions, and good times with his family and friends. He always had a love for animals and birds and parented numerous pets, most notably three sets of Boston Terriers: Ernie & Emmett, Ottis & Ollie, and Archie & Bertie. Todd attended college at Michigan State and graduated with his Bachelor’s degree from Northwood University. Todd studied a semester abroad in Paris, France where he became enamored with all things related to fashion, art, and culture. After graduating, he moved to Chicago where he completed the Marshall Field’s executive training program. In August of 1986, he started an illustrious 27 year career as a fashion retail executive with the Neiman Marcus Group in Dallas, Texas. In 2003, he was promoted to be the Director of Personal Shopping for the Neiman Marcus crown jewel, Bergdorf Goodman, in New York City. Todd was the consummate fashionista working with global luxury fashion designers to style an A-list following of international socialites and celebrities. In 2011, he was featured in a documentary, "Scatter My Ashes", about the legacy of Bergdorf Goodman. In 2008, Todd was introduced to the love of his life, Andrew Koons, by a mutual friend who thought that they would be a great match. During the summer of 2011, Todd and Andrew were thrilled when New York State legalized gay marriage. On October 22, 2011, they invited family and friends to New York City to celebrate their marriage in the gardens of the River Café, under the Brooklyn Bridge. They travelled to Paris, France for their honeymoon where they savored their loves of art and cuisine. Over the years, they enjoyed trips around the US, Europe, the Caribbean, and Morocco to visit family and friends and experience new adventures. In 2013, Todd retired from Bergdorf Goodman (Neiman Marcus) and he and Andrew moved to Traverse City. He enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, making new friends, and rediscovering the joys of his hometown. He worked part-time at the Nest and Miner’s North. Together with Andrew, they also created Todd & Andrew, a fashion stylist business. In 2022, Todd and Andrew moved to the Tampa Bay area in Florida to enjoy the beaches and warm weather. Todd quickly found a new creative outlet working part time at Ackerman Jewelers. In May 2024, Todd was diagnosed with leukemia. The family is ever grateful to the highly trained, professional doctors, nurses, and caregivers at the Tampa General Cancer Institute who gave him the best care during this brave journey. Todd received and shared much love and support through AA during 39 years of sobriety. Todd is survived by his loving husband of 13 years, Andrew, their two Boston Terriers Archie & Bertie, sister Nancy Wilson, sister Annie (Craig) Okerstrom-Lang, brother Eric (Marita) Okerstrom and nieces and nephews that he adored: Darcy (David) Hurlbert, Brody (Erin) Wilson, Carson (Dani, fiancé) Okerstrom-Lang, Sam Okerstrom-Lang, Skyler Okerstrom-Lang, Roy Theodore “Teddy” (Alexandria) Okerstrom, and Elleka (Thomas) Okerstrom-Drew. He was preceded in death by his parents. One morning during his final days with us, as only Todd could do with his eternal joy and optimism, he started singing: Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! My, oh my, what a wonderful day. Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way! Please join his family and friends to celebrate the sunshine that he will continue to bring into our lives. Visitation at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City on November 16, 2024 from 10am – 1pm followed by a more casual time to gather at the Hagerty Garage from 2 – 4pm. Those planning an expression of sympathy may consider a memorial donation to GLAAD.org, a non-profit LGBTQ advocacy organization or the Cherryland Humane Society in Todd’s name.

Todd Nathaniel Okerstrom

October 27, 1953 - October 16, 2024