Todd Koppenhaver
March 22, 1966 ~ April 28, 2023
Todd Koppenhaver, 57, Epidemiologist from Kampla, Uganda, died Friday, April 28, 2023. Private family services, a recording of the service will be available later. Preceded in death by his stepfather, Innes Phillips. Survived by his father, John H. (Linda) Koppenhaver; mother, Karen R. Phillips of Wichita; wife, Mukwaya Koppenhaver; son, Kai Koppenhaver; step-daughter, Same Bogatsu; sisters, Robin Myers, Lisa Capps; brother, John (Shelley Anderson) Koppenhaver; and 8 nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with: Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuary - East Chapel.
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Some people really are bigger than life. Todd was one of them. To the strongest man in the world: Peaceful (but adventurous) travels.
What a big loss. We shall miss you Todd. My deepest sympathy to your family. I pray for God’s grace upon them. Rest well my friend.
Solome Sevume USAID/Uganda
Dear Todd, You will forever be a good memory to my HR colleagues here at USAID/Tanzania and me. Your help in developing an Excel tracker of an HR process will remain a beacon of your humble presence in our midst! Rest easy, pal!
Hussein Tuwa, USAID/Tanzania
My heartfelt condolences to his family and the loved ones, for the loss. Todd was a colleague at USAID/Tanzania.
May his soul rest in peace, amen.
-Innocent Baziwani
I remember sitting in excel sessions and always looked up to master even half of his skills. Todd was a great inspiration to many, especially us who have the passion for data for development. We will forever miss him, my deepest condolences to his family and friends during this very difficult time.
Jestina Kimbesa, USAID/Tanzania
Thank you for all the kindness you shared with everyone. May your beautiful soul rest in eternal peace. We will cherish all the good memories you have left us
Jacqueline Kalimunda, USAID/Tanzania
Dear Todd, Thank you for all that contributed to people around the world to improve access to quality health services. Your contributions to the wellbeing of millions continues. I will remember your infectious love of data, your technical know-how, and your constant desire to partner with others to solve problems. We will miss you. Ashley Frost USAID/Southern Africa
Todd, I will always remember your driven, kind, and knowledgeable personality when we worked together on PEPFAR activities in Uganda. My sincere condolences to your family.
-Sarah Alger, CDC Uganda/USAID BHA
My memories of Todd all revolve around his dogs. We shared a love of dogs and bonded over the trials and tribulations of raising our two puppies, Toby (Todd’s Boerbul) and Shwari (my Cardigan Corgi) who were best of friends, despite their massive size difference! I will always be grateful for his sage advice. we have all lost a great friend.
-Bronwyn Llewellyn (Tanzania 2016-2020)
Dear Todd,
I remember your passion for data and the datapack from my days at OGAC. May you rest perfectly and may your family find comfort in the peace of the Holy Spirit.
Best,
Funmi PEPFAR/Nigeria
Todd- “The Dog Whisperer”- Thank you for the laughs shared in the kitchen in Ubunye. Whether it was you making fun of my “pale legs” or me suggesting that you were just grumpy because you weren’t “in ketosis”- I always appreciated the banter. Sending so much love to you and sincere condolences to your family. Lauren w/Geoff and Porter (woof!)
My heart goes out to Todd’s family and friends. I had the privilege of serving with him in South Africa. His expertise, commitment, and dedication to our efforts under PEPFAR made such a difference. His death is such a terrible loss to global health and development, but I hope there is comfort in knowing what a difference he made. My thoughts are with you and memories of Todd. May his memory be a blessing. Best from Cambodia, Kerry Pelzman
It is with heavy heart that we say goodbye to the person who has touched so many lives in different ways. We are grateful for your contribution in health programs. Rest in peace.
Naomi
Tanzania
To my deepest condolescences to Todd Koppenhaver who has been daddy to Same in Botswana. U raise the kids wit love and kindness . The gals as u called then are so saddened by ur passing on but we want to thank u for the great life and memories u left.U have been their travel mates,buddy,dad and most of all their soulmate.Mogogi Pilatwe-Motlhagodi(Same Pilatwe Aunt)
Todd, you were a Renaissance man for our times. Your humor made work bearable. Your music made parties bearable. And your jump shot made me jealous. It was an honor to be your best man at your wedding, and something I will never forget. I always admired your passion for work and family, and putting others ahead of yourself. You loved Africa and Africa loved you back. You will be missed.
Rest in peace.
Doug Johnson
Zimbabwe/Botswana
Todd, I am at a loss for words…you were such a good friend, colleague and overall person. want to wish your family peace and serenity during their hour of grief. I always remember you at my wedding in Botswana and how much joy and laughter you brought to our singing matches and how much pain you brought us (Phil and I ) to our boxing matches. You will be truly missed. Walk good and we will meet again, I am sure. -Jason Fraser
Dear Koppenhaver family – I am saddened to know that Todd has passed on. I have fond memories of his solid expertise and skill when we were able to work together on some PEPFAR efforts in South Africa. He was a bright light and touched many lives. May his memory be a blessing. With my sincere condolences, Christina Chappell
Dear Koppenhaver family – My family, my wife Heba and I are deeply saddened by the loss that you and your family have encountered. Our condolences on the passing of your beloved Todd. We had the honor to work with him in Pretoria, South Africa. May God give you the peace that you seek. May God give Todd eternal rest…
Mohammad Hamed & Family – Amman, Jordan
I am sorry to hear do Todd’s passing. My prayers and sympathies go out to his family.
Dear Koppenhaver family,
I recently heard about the sad and all too early loss of Todd. We were classmates together at the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health during the late 1990s. Todd was a good friend during our two years in Baltimore. We often played tennis on weekends and pick up basketball in the evenings. We had fun finding time to joke around together with friends between classes and study sessions. Todd’s sense of humor and laughter were infectious. He was a real smart guy, but he knew how to lighten the mood. He taught me about the importance of keeping life simple, convincing me that I would never need to use a comb again in my life! We stayed in touch periodically over the years, and I was so very sad to hear of his passing. I am not surprised by the many, many lives that Todd touched in Africa. He was so committed to people, public health, family, and friends in Africa and beyond through the years. I hope that you all can find consolation in your wonderful memories of Todd during these difficult times and into the future.
Sincerely,
Thomas (Tom) Stopka, Boston, MA.
My funny memory is when I was little they were older but John and Todd thought of using the back of the couch cushions and sliding down the steep stairs to our grandparents basement (we were bored) lol so fun until Grandpa came and yelled at them haha I was little I think that was the only time he ever yelled at us. And of course the soccer