Todd A. Saarinen, age 52, of Helena, lost his long and courageous battle with treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation on the morning of May 26, 2020.
Todd was born on May 29, 1967 in Butte, and was raised in Helena. Naturally talented at pretty much everything, it was a frustration to the athletic coaches that he wanted nothing to do with sports. Anything taking him away from hunting, fishing, and going up to the family mine was of no interest to him! Including girls, which was also likely a frustration to his female classmates given his good looks and kind disposition. His Capital High School shop teacher shared that Todd was one of the most talented students he’d ever had.
After high school graduation in 1985 Todd and his brother Brett Saarinen worked on many joint ventures together across Montana, followed by a move to Arizona where Todd attended art school. Not surprising, Todd finished at the top of his class, with a generous job offer at graduation. Turning it down, he returned to Montana to care for his ailing stepfather Steve Mehelich, and then supporting his mother Susan Mehelich after Steve’s passing.
In 1993 Todd joined the Montana Historical Society team as the museum preparator, and for the next 27 years every exhibit or other building project bore the mark of his expertise. A coworker shared that Todd’s talents also included “being the most creative curser ever known.” Todd cared deeply about the entire museum team, which was family to him.
A close family friend had this to say about Todd: “He was an extraordinary man – even tempered, thoughtful, giving of his time and abilities. Being a master craftsman in all of the trades, along with his natural artistic abilities, he helped us all with our projects, never asking anything in return.” Different versions of that same description of Todd have been shared by many since his passing. Perhaps the favorite description of Todd was “Construction Barbie,” taking a poke at his long blond hair from earlier years.
Todd had a passion for hunting starting from a very young age, primarily for bull elk. Aptly described as the “quintessential mountain man,” it was quite something to see how he could move like a mountain goat in the roughest and steepest terrain. He loved Montana and cherished his time in the mountains.
In 1999 Todd’s world changed when he met Jeanne, and they were joined in the Sacrament of Marriage on May 31, 2003 at the Cathedral of St. Helena. When talking about his wife, he would often say, “I’m the luckiest bastard there is!” Since Todd’s passing, the most cherished messages of sympathy Jeanne received were the ones that shared how evident their mutual love, respect, and affection were for each other. Jeanne knew that to be true, but didn’t realize it was recognized by others.
A dream of Todd’s was to have property near where his step-father’s family homesteaded and mined, southwest of Canyon Creek. That dream was realized, followed by building a “cabin” in his own way – logging, milling, peeling, hand-hewing, and scribing logs for the Norwegian dove-tail, full-scribe cabin with a cruck-style frame entry. A true feat, even for this incredibly talented craftsman to accomplish on his own.
Todd is survived by his wife of 17 years Jeanne Saarinen, brothers Brett (Melissa) Saarinen and Stephen (Heather) Mehelich, step-sister Shawn Mehelich, niece Shelby Saarinen, grandnephew Sean Thatcher, nephew Dylan Saarinen, and the many extended family, friends and coworkers who loved him (in particular best friend Dave Thompson and museum exhibit designer Roberta Jones Wallace). He is preceded in death by his mother Susan Mehelich, stepfather Steve Mehelich, father Bruce Saarinen and sister Wendy Saarinen.
Todd was a warrior accessing every medical treatment available with excellent psychiatric care spanning over five years and three states. Each time there was hope and then disappointment for this sweet soul. He was very open with his struggles, which allowed others to share of their own mental health challenges. Please pray for more effective treatments for depression.
A two-day memorial took place at the family home shortly after Todd’s passing, and a funeral Mass for Todd was celebrated at the Cathedral of St. Helena on June 17, 2020. Todd will be laid to rest high in the mountains overlooking the big country he loved.
If love could have saved him, Todd would be with us today; now our Heavenly Father (the Master Carpenter) and our Mother Mary have him in their care.
Rest in peace my darling. In sickness and in health, I was the lucky one.
Service Schedule
Social Gathering
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday May 29, 2020
Family Home
Helena, Montana 59602
Social Gathering
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday May 30, 2020
Family Home
Helena, Montana 59602
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Laurie Kops says
Jeanne….There are no words to convey my sadness. I am so, so sorry. Please know I’m keeping you so close in my heart, and in my prayers. Always know how much Todd loved and adored you….you were his angel throughout your life together, and now he is yours. I love you, darling woman.
Laurie
Sam Prestipino says
Jeanne , You have my deepest Sympathy. I know how difficult it is to lose someone who You love. The hardest thing I have ever done in my life was to lose My Margale.
I tried everything in my power to save her, but it was God’s will.
You did the same thing, doing everything in your power to help him get better. I will pray for You , to help You through this most difficult time. Love ❤️ Sam 🚁
Lorraine Karwaski says
Jeanne I’m so sorry for your loss. He was so funny and just a great guy. I’m so sorry for your loss. My sympathies to your family and Todd’s. May he rest in peace.
Katie Gleason says
Jeanne, I am so sorry for your loss. I never had the oppurtunity to meet Todd but I know that you loved him with all your heart. My God wrap his arms around you in this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Donna Chardeen says
Oh my dear Jeanne. I am so sorry to hear about Todd. There are simply no word that can convey my sorrow. May you find peace in your memories and know that you will smile again embraced by Todd’s love. All my love to you.
Jeannie archdale says
I am a good friend to Kristi Irwin, I am so very sorry for your tremendous loss, you are in my prayers.
TRACIE KENYON says
Dearest Jeanne, words are inadequate to convey my heartfelt sorrow for your tremendous loss. I am holding you in my heart and prayers. Sending you love.
Kelly Cresswell says
Jeanne ~ I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I’m keeping you in my thoughts, friend.
Bridget says
My dearest friend, I am so sorry. You are such an amazingly strong, kind and loving woman. Todd loved and cherished you so much. He will be missed by all who’s life he touched. He had such passion. His laughter, his smile, his humor, his talents, his blue eyes, his rock star hair style will always with us. We are all here for you. I love you.
Betsy Baumgart says
Dear sweet Jeanne,
You have been in my thoughts, prayers and heart since the moment I got the news. You have been a beautiful ray of sunshine to me and now I am sending you God’s light and love in return. Love you, Betsy
Rick Ahmann says
Jeanne,
I’m so sorry for your loss. Todd was one of the “favorite sons” of my grandfather, Bob Morgan, during the time they spent together at the Historical Society. They were perfectly paired as dreamers and doers. I enjoyed his quiet presence beside you at the Cathedral these past years. His free spirited look, long hair, quick smile and sparkling glance captured many eyes each time he would walk in, but no-one’s attention did he capture more than your own. I’m wishing for many fond remembrances for you in the coming days. God love you and keep you. May Todd Rest In Peace.
S. Lynn Casey says
Dear sweet Jeanne, words fail at this time of great sorrow. Holding you in prayer and sending love to you and your family.
Sister Lynn Casey
Neil A Buchanan says
Jeanne.
I’m so sorry. Todd was a good friend and the most talented man I’ve ever known, we had so many good times together, those memories will be cherished. May he rest in peace.
Marie Murphy says
Jeanne,
I am so sorry for your loss. Your heart will have a big hole in it. While I did not know Todd, I do know that you are a very kind and caring person. Please accept my heartfelt sympathy. You and your family will be in my prayers. May he rest in peace.
Mary Munger says
Jeanne,
I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. May you feel the love of those lifting you in prayer.
Deb Kralicek says
Jeanne,
My heart aches for you. I am so sorry you are having to go through this. My deepest sympathy. Prayers for you and all the family. May God wrap his arms around you and bring you comfort.
Scott Swingley says
Jeanne, though you may not remember me, Todd and I graduated together in 1985. In the years since, I have had the opportunity to visit with Todd on many occasions. I always considered him a friend. I’m paying for you and your family. May the Lord bless you at this time.
-John, Kathy, and the Ramirez kids says
Jeanne,
Our family will continue lifting you and Todd up in prayer now and in the coming days.
May God hold Todd gently close in his loving arms, and allow him to rest now in peace until the day you can be together with him again.
Please let us know if we can do anything to help.
Tim ahern says
Thoughts and prayers..Todd was a great man and a great friend..one of the few men i would trust with my life..heaven got another angel..i am so sorry for your loss
Collette Hanson says
Dear Jeanne,
My heart breaks for you. I am so incredibly sorry to hear about Todd. You are a strong, faith filled woman who God is now holding in the palm of his hand. Lifting you up with light, love and prayers. All my love, Collette
Mary Ann Gorsich says
Dear Jeanne,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at such a difficult time.
Scott Zarske says
Jeanne, I am so sorry about Todd’s passing. Although I have not seen Todd in years , we did bump into each other on occasion. Last I remember was at a mutual friends cabin where we set out on a hunt. He went straight up like a mountain goat & I elected a less inclined path. My memories go back many years to when he was about 13 or 14 years old. My friend Larry & I would give Gary & Todd a ride to some remote area in the mountains and drop them off for a week long back country camping expedition ( They wanted to be like mountain men). They would only have with them a fishing pole, 22 rifle , and a sleeping bag – they made it through the week on pine squirrels & rabbits. Amazing to me !! My thoughts are with you and our family
Jim Tucker says
A sorrow shared, Jeanne…
Carol Kolar says
Jeanne, I am so very sorry for your lose. May God hold you and your family and Todd’s family in his loving arms. May he Rest In Peace.
Margaret says
Dearest Jeanne,
I offer my heartfelt sympathy for the passing of Todd.
I remember a day at your house, one of the few times I spent with Todd, and his utter delight and enthusiasm for the cabin he was building. He showed us the plans he’d made, describing in great detail the method of construction, and gave us a tour of the equipment he had created to cut the logs. I was in awe of his talents and meticulous attention to detail.
May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Love you, Margaret
Rick and Lori Davenport says
Jeannie, what a sorrow we all share with you. Prayers, thoughts, best wishes and our love is with you
Sister Margaret Hogan says
Jeanne,my sympathy and prayers are with you and words just don’t convey my thought. I just pray you will be as good to yourself as you are to others as they grieve. Know well that you are being thought of as I send my greeting to you .
Deb Evans says
Jeanne, I am so very very sorry to hear about Todd. My heart aches for you. I know you will be surrounding by loving wishes and prayers from your many friends and relatives. Mine are there, too. Love you.
Jim Kenyon says
Jeanne, I am sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families. I always think of your stories with Todd and your dog every time I am on the Smith. Much love.
JANICE LEHMAN says
Jeanne, My heartfelt prayers are being sent to you and your family. God will guide you and your family through this difficult time and forever. Rely and Him and your family and friends. Janice Lehman
Concetta Eckel says
Jeanne,
Our hearts are saddened today to hear of your loss. Know that We will always be there for you just as you’ve been such a support to our community. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Concetta and all your AARP Tax-Aide friends.
Arlette (Nelson) McFadyean says
Todd was a frequent visitor to the Canyon Creek Store when McPhersons lived in the area. Was so polite and kind and I loved his sweet smile and beautiful blond curls. A bright light has gone out even though it’s been years.So sorry for the families loss and sadness.
Pete McNamee says
Jeanne, so sorry to hear about Todd. May he Rest In Peace.
Cindy Hanson says
Hello, I met Todd when I worked at the RFS-his favorite place for lunch-this was 10 years ago. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember one time he was in my checkout line and you came in. You walked up to him and he gave you a big hug and said “Hey Pickle”! Cutest thing ever. And he told me of the cabin he was building and living where I do I would drive by and see him building it all from scratch. I hope that your happy memories will sustain you through this incredibly difficult time.
Gina Wiest says
Jeanne, sending you my deepest sympathies in your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers in the days to come.
Sr. D. Jean Casey says
Dearest Jeanne, my heart aches for you. I never knew Todd, but I know what a beautiful, kind loving person you are. Lynn and I are having a Mass offered for him and all of you, here at our Mother House, where we can join you in prayer. God bless you. My love, Sister Deedee Casey
Steve Germann says
Jeanne,
We never met, but I knew and worked with Todd at the Montana Historical Society not long after he graduated high school. He was a great hard worker and always pleasant and fun to be around. I thought of him as a friend, not just an employee, and I think he felt the same. Todd and I and Jim Warner and Geoff Wyatt worked together at MHS but also on Jim’s huge house project in the Helena Valley in the late 80s. We moved to Michigan and later to Ohio, but my son and I came back to Montana on two trips and made sure we saw Todd when we were there. A great guy, outdoorsman, craftsman. I thought of him often in recent years as well. I am so sorry about his passing.
Michelle Schweyen says
Jeanne,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your time of loss and sadness. May you feel God’s loving embrace now more than ever.
Bob Pyfer says
Jeanne. You are high among all the people I’ve had the privilege to know and admire in my life. Your intelligence, strength of spirit, and kindness are evident to everyone. I didn’t know Todd well but have heard much about his outdoor exploits, his creative talents, and effervescent personality, which are reflected beautifully in the other comments we read here. You were such a beautiful couple. My heart hurts for you. All our love…Bob and Jeanne Pyfer.
Lanae Matson Vetsch says
I was sadden to read about Todd’s passing. I met Todd and his brother’s Brett and Stephen when my mother Kathy and Todd’s mom Susan attended Maddio’s Beauty College. I was always impressed with Todd’s drawings and my favorite was the pencil drawing of him and his brother and sister when they were little. My deepest sympathies to your whole family. May happy memories be with you always.
Lonna Weidemann says
Ohhh Jeanne,
It’s been so tough to see the struggle you both have been through. Todd has always been like a brother to me and knowing him since I was 16 allowed me to see him grow. Watching his talents grow as well, from building our baby crib to penciling some of the most beautiful art anyone has ever see . He was tired and I feel he’s happy now. I’m still so sorry for your loss. ❤️
David Ternes and Family says
So sorry to hear about Todd ! Our family has a cabin just down the road from yours, Todd would stop in from time to time to visit.He had so much knowledge about the history of the Prickley Pear valley. We always enjoyed his stories! My dad and I toured Todd’s work at the cabin many times. What a talent he had. Were gonna miss him up here. Our prayers are with you!
Kristy Tate says
Jeanne,
Sending you my deepest sympathies in your loss. Please know my heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you in the days to come.
Susan Near says
What a great honor it was to work with Todd over many years. He was a joy… and was a vital and talented member of the museum team. We had some great experiences together and shared a love for our work. Todd always had a twinkle in his eye and was quick with a witty remark and pointed story. I will cherish these memories, and so glad that he had you in his life. My thoughts are with you.
Lorri Mullen says
Jeanne,
I am so sorry for the passing of your dear Todd. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers now and in the days to come.
Chad Salois says
Quintessential “Mountain Man”