Todd Amani, cherished father, grandfather, uncle, brother, friend, colleague, and beloved soulmate of Mary Jo, passed from this life to the next on January 26th, his 71st birthday. His kindness, good humor, generosity, love of play, camaraderie, perseverance in all adversity, creativity, gentle nature, steadfastness, calm wisdom, and courage, especially in this final passage, touched so many. He faced Alzheimer’s with quiet grace.
He was a natural teacher, listening closely with curiosity. Friends and family enjoyed his guitar playing, sing-alongs, chocolate chip cookies, sourdough bread, and kombucha. Todd graduated from Wartburg College (1978) and Johns Hopkins School of International Studies (SAIS) (1983). The majority of his work career was as a USAID foreign service officer, serving in Egypt, Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mozambique. He worked for four years as Director of Safe Passage, a non-profit providing schooling and family support for children in Guatemala City. From1986-1987, Todd and Mary Jo shared a Political Science teaching position at Wartburg College. From 1985-86, Todd worked as legislative assistant for Congressman Tim Penny of Minnesota. For years, Todd headed out at 5:30 am every day in all weather to deliver the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
He leaves behind his wife, Mary Jo (Felderman) Amani; daughter, Elisabeth; son, Liam (Sarah); daughter-in-law, Cristina; grandson, Gabe; siblings Scott (Robin) Hanson, Mark (Steph) Hanson, and Lynn Hanson; mother-in-law Janet Felderman, and brothers in law, Bob (Nancy) Felderman, Bill (Wendi) Felderman, of Dubuque, Iowa, and Patrick (Jeri) Felderman of Florida; dear nieces and nephews; and good friends from around the world. His son, Luke, passed away in 2015. Neighbors in Swannanoa, North Carolina will miss his daily evening rolls in his wheelchair with his faithful dog companion, Saoirse. We will all miss his quiet splendor.
All obituary information has been taken from the funeral home, newspaper or other online resource.
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