BD Newsletter

September 28, 1944 – June 12, 2023

By Brad Durham

I am saddened to learn that Todd Herzog passed away. I found out that Todd had passed by reading Bill Zechman’s excellent eulogy in the Southern Standard. The link to that article can be found by clicking here: eulogy.

McMinnville Funeral Home has posted a memorable video of Todd Herzog on YouTube. Click here: YouTube. The photos in the video show how expansive his life was. More than anything else, Todd Herzog was a family man. A Notre Dame alumnus. A sports fan. An entrepreneur. An innovative businessman. A friend to many far and wide.

Todd Herzog was a man who made McMinnville a better place. He considered himself a true part of McMinnville. I know he did because I was joked to Todd over drinks years ago that he would never be a “hometown” guy because he was a Yankee. Todd quickly took that as an insult, and after kidding with him about it, I sensed that I had really hurt his feelings. It is one of my many sarcastic remarks that I wish that I could take back.

In many ways, Todd Herzog was much more of a true McMinnville citizen that I will ever be. Todd contributed to changing the lives of many of the most-needy people in McMinnville. His passions for business and education led him to leave a lasting legacy of opportunities for students and members of the business community. Todd helped provide homes, education and jobs for us. There should be a statue of him somewhere in this town.

I interviewed Todd for my Introspection of McMinnville by McMinnvillians’ series. He was very optimistic, and he was a realist. He had a valuable working knowledge of what education and industry provided for our town. Todd Herzog was a valuable asset in the business community who will be impossible to replace.

The man who originally was from up north told me, “Tennessee is a good place to live.” Todd Herzog did a lot for McMinnville from the time he moved here in 1976 until the day he passed away this week. We all should be thankful that he moved here, stayed here, and made this his home.

I will miss him.