Todd Antonsen

Todd Antonsen, age 21, of Philip, died on Saturday, June 16, 2018, at his home in Philip.
Todd Michael Antonsen was born August 25, 1996, Rapid City, South Dakota, the son of Mike Antonsen and Rhonda Antonsen. Todd grew up south of Wanblee on his Grandpa Shorty’s ranch. Todd attended Interior School from Kindergarten through sixth grade. He transferred to Kadoka School for his 7th and 8th grade years. Todd attended high school and graduated from Philip High School. Todd was accepted into Mitchell Technical Institute where he received his Ag Technology Degree. While he was working towards his degree, Todd interned at CHS in Philip, South Dakota and was later employed there after graduation as a Crop Sprayer until his passing.
From a very little boy Todd was such a playful little kid with a smile on his face and a glint in his eye. Because of this sweet smile he was often referred to by his family as “Toddy” Whether it was playing with his two sisters, Audra and Bobbi, or with his childhood buddies, Quade, Blaine, Aage, Brennan and Brendan, at the ranch, brandings, card parties, birthday parties, the bus stop or anywhere they met up, Todd loved being with his friends.
One very special person in Todd’s life was his Grandpa Shorty. From infancy, Todd was raised on the same place with his Grandpa. Not a day hardly went by that he didn’t spend time with his Grandpa Shorty. Much like his Grandpa, Todd loved the great outdoors. Together they fished, hunted, fixed fence, set traps, worked the cows, and just about anything on the ranch. When the work was done, there was always time for some adventure. Todd’s Grandpa meant the world to him as many knew, and there wasn’t a prouder grandpa of his grandson. He was his Grandpa’s sidekick. Together they went on hunting trips for antelope, fishing trips to Pierre, The Black Hills and so many places.

During his years at Interior School, Todd made and kept many lifelong friends. Many stories have been told of fond memories of the bus rides to and from school. From games of UNO to hide and seek during the bus rides home. The laughter and joy, he shared was contagious. His teachers always praised Todd for his politeness and how well he behaved. Many a chuckle was shared, about this praise from his teacher’s, within his family due to the fact that Todd also had a mischievous side to him as his sisters could attest to.
Todd loved his sister’s and they loved him. Together they grew up on the ranch climbing on the old combine, playing in the sandbox, sprinklers, bike rides, cartoons, puppies, everything a country kid can do. And like all sisters and a brother, they fought, but they always manage to come back to each other. They were not only each other’s siblings but best friends growing up. Todd was a one of a kind brother.
One of the memories of childhood that Todd talked about often was our summer camping trips to Merritt Dam. It was during this time that Todd and his family formed friendships with what was called “Our Merritt Family”. Many came and went during those years, but their was two families whom he had the most special times with while there and that was The Coller Clan and the Sudbeck’s . Spending a week of boating, tubing, swimming from morning to night, campfires, bows and arrows made from sticks, sleeping in a tent and so many amazing memories for a child. Todd held those times with them close in his heart. He often talked of going back to Merritt. Not too long ago, he said to his mom, “Mom, you buy the camper, and I’ll buy the boat.” Todd was such a great kid.
Todd spent his High School years at Philip. He was involved in basketball, FFA, FCCLA, Choir and some unsponsored extra-curricular activities. Todd quickly became fast friends with many. His quick wit and smile won over many a friend and teacher. Todd enjoyed going to Philip High School, and it was there that his Ag teacher, Doug Hauk, made a lasting impression on his life. I believe Ag Class was one of his favorite classes. He talked often of the things he was learning, and of course there was always some story of he and Brayden and their shenanigans. It was this class that motivated Todd to attend MTI. Some of Todd’s closest high school friends were Quade, Chaney, Gunner, Brayden, Camden and so many more. From FFA trips to skinny dipping during a blizzard in the Hot Water Pond. Todd loved having fun and making memories.
It was also during his high school years that Todd spent time with the Sawvell family Jody, Laniece, Casey, Kailey Rae, Camden and Kassidy. He loved listening to Jody play his guitar or just spending time with their family. He held those memories in high regard when he shared them.
From the summer after his freshmen year through the summer after his senior year, Todd worked for Matt, Cheryl, Colby and Sarah Porch. He soon became a hard and dedicated ranch and farm hand. Todd learned so much from working for them. He was always willing to learn and take on new responsibilities. Todd enjoyed his time combining, hauling grain, working cows, and a multitude of skills. They were his second family. Many good memories were made during those years.
Todd attended Mitchel Technical Institute in the Fall of 2015. As was fitting for Todd, he soon made fast friends. It was during this time that Danny, Austin, Brad, Max, Walker, Bailey, Forrest, Karley, Jams, and a multitude of friends came into his life. As goes college life, many great times were spent together. It was Danny and Austin that Todd found a mutual love of hunting and fishing. From a Spring Break fishing trip to an antelope hunt in Wyoming. Todd treasured these friends. As their time came to a close at MTI, the friendships remained. Thank Goodness for Snapchat!
Todd began working for CHS in the Spring of 2017 as an intern. He was then offered the Crop Spraying position. He gladly took on the challenge of a new path at CHS. He was proud of driving that semi and hauling that big sprayer. He enjoyed his coworkers, and the guidance he received from them. Todd had pride in his work and strived to do the best possible job he could. It was during this time you may have saw him with his trusty little sidekick Tuffy.
Todd loved his little dog Tuffy, and Tuffy adored his master Todd. He treasured and protected his dog.
Todd knew so many people in his short life. He was such a kind, caring, generous soul. He had a way of making someone feel like they were important. If he was your friend, you were lucky.
There are no word to describe how much we will All Miss him. Todd you were SO LOVED… until we meet again, Fly High Son.
Survivors include his mother Rhonda Antonsen and fiancé Joel Aeschbacher of Wanblee; his father Mike Antonsen of Quinn; two sisters Audra Antonsen and fiancé Sam Aman of Aberdeen, and Bobbi Antonsen of Wanblee; his paternal grandparents Dean and Mary Antonsen of Rapid City; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Todd was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Floyd "Shorty" and Barbara (Amiotte) Vogelgesang.
Visitation will be held 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, June 21, at the Kadoka City Auditorium, with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 22, at the Kadoka City Auditorium with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.
Interment will be at the Kadoka Cemetery.
Arrangements are with the Rush Funeral Home of Philip.
His online guestbook is available at www.rushfuneralhome.com