Todd Vikander

Todd J. Vikander, 77, passed away peacefully on February 23, 2026.

There will be a Celebration of Life held in Todd's honor at 1 pm on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Fellowship Club- 1403 Summit St, Sioux City, Iowa.

Todd was born in Igloo, South Dakota, on July 30, 1948, at the Army Depot. He had a special place in his heart for the Black Hills. In his youth he lived in Moorhead, Minnesota. He spent his summers at Ottertail Lake waterskiing and going to dances at Balmoral with his friends. Todd was the lead singer of the group “The Majority” with his cousins Alan, Larry, and Ron and friend Don; they played 50’s and 60’s music. Todd kept his love of music, including some good old rock ‘n’ roll.

After moving to El Cajon, California, he graduated from El Cajon high school in 1966. He left California in 1976 and started his career of 37 years at BNSF Railroad in Sioux City, Iowa. He was well known for wearing engineer’s hats to pay homage to his railroad days.

Todd loved adventures including going the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, South Dakota. He was once asked by Neil Young if he could have his picture taken on Todd’s bike, and of course he agreed. Neil sent him a poster sized picture afterwards, autographed. Todd attended many motorcycle shows with his bike and won numerous trophies, including many 1st place awards. He loved to watch football, basketball and baseball. He walked many miles in his lifetime; finally got his driver’s license when he was forty and never updated his flip phone. Todd could lose about anything including billfolds and keys as he was probably deep in thought and not paying attention to where he set things down at.

Todd was a member of AA for 41 years, which he was deeply proud of. At the AA “Club”, he made numerous lasting friendships. Many of those friends he considered family. He made sure the clubs outside feathered friends were fed. He also, had two birds of his own- Petey his 30-year-old Quaker Parrot and Pearl, his Cockatiel. He taught Petey a few funny phrases, including “Petey is a bad boy” after he had shredded his money.

Todd was one of a kind; he was a storyteller, philosopher, deep thinker, and a writer. He always had a joke for you. He listened with empathy to any problem or concerns you may have. He was very social, loved long conversations and was never in a hurry. He was always quick with an I love you; he loved his rambunctious nephews, fondly calling them Huey, Dewey, Louie, and Screwy. He lived near Ottertail Lake the past 5 years with his sister and nephew as he was no longer able to take care of himself and will be missed dearly. His playful persistence in seeking out cookies reminded everyone around him to savor the small pleasures in life; he never let a day go by without asking for cookies - a routine that now brings smiles through the tears.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Vernon Vikander and Elois (Edlund) Vikander; grandparents Selmer and Grace Edlund, along with Edward and Susie Vikander and many aunts and uncles.

Todd is survived by his sister, Patricia “Tricia” Vikander Rudnick; half-brother Robert (Gisela); nephews Chris Rudnick, Matt (Jen) Rudnick, Jon (Katie) Rudnick, Mike (Anna) Rudnick; great nieces and nephew, Landon, Maria, Aubrey, and Isabelle.

Our family wishes to thank HIA Hospice for their awesome care for Todd. He loved them and they always brightened his day. They encouraged us as a family and gave us a dose of humor when needed. A special heartfelt thanks to Danielle, Cathy, Mary, Chaplin Nathan and all the others that provided care. Lastly, to his nephew Chris who watched over and cared for Todd for the last seventeen months at the shouse in Underwood, Minnesota. As his sister, it has been an adventure to have Todd in our care for the last five years. It makes me so happy I was able to spend this time with him. To know Todd was to love Todd. With all his little quirks, and that he loved to bring smiles with his wit.

A celebration of life will be held in Sioux City, Iowa. Updated service times and dates will be posted on the Glende-Nilson Funeral Home website.

As Todd would say “Peace”.