Carl F. Todtleben

Carl Frederick Todtleben passed away peacefully at his home at New Perspectives Senior Living on September 27, 2024. Born on May 25, 1933, in Red Oak, Iowa, he was the only child born to Carl F. Todtleben, Sr., and Minnie A. (Turner) Todtleben. Raised mainly by his mother who became widowed when he was eight, Carl graduated from Red Oak High School in 1951 and enrolled at the University of Nebraska. He soon transferred to Iowa State University after meeting a striking ISU coed, Yvonne York of Madrid, Iowa, at the wedding of a friend. He and Yvonne married on December 27, 1953, and moved to married student housing. Despite these being bare bones Quonset huts, Carl was thrilled because their hut bordered the campus golf course. In 1955 Carl graduated with honors with a degree in Animal Husbandry and Farm Management.

He immediately started a nearly 40-year career with Hubbard Milling Company, the only employer he ever had. An early mentor was Ogden P. Confer, Hubbard CEO and grandson of one of Hubbard’s founders. From him, Carl learned that anticipating and adapting to change is crucial for business leaders. Carl’s ability to put an innovation mindset into practice made him a valued leader as Hubbard grew and evolved. Carl’s many roles at Hubbard included research farms, elevators and feed processing plants in the Mankato area, Springfield, Illinois, and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. His positions included being named Hubbard’s General Marketing Manager, Vice President for Diversified Ventures, Director of Operations for the Hubbard Feed Division, and Vice President and General Manager of Vigorena Feeds in Springfield, Minnesota, his last position before retirement. Industry highlights included serving as president of the Midwest Feed Manufacturers Associations, through which he made many professional and personal friendships over the years. He also represented Hubbard and the U.S. feed industry with international exchanges, hosting visitors from Europe and making visits to China and the Soviet Union. The latter, arranged by the American Soybean Association, helped open that market to American exports. His trip to China was well before its modernization; Carl was struck by the country’s humble conditions and the hospitality of the Chinese people. Carl attributed his longevity with Hubbard and agribusiness to determination, desire, and being willing to take prudent risks and learn from them. He also credited much of his success to Yvonne’s support of him and his career, especially in forming personal connections and maintaining relationships.

Carl participated in and led community efforts. While president of the Mankato YMCA board in the 1970s, he led the facility’s expansion. With Centenary United Methodist Church, he led the men’s group and co-led the capital campaign that enabled them to build the Multi-Church Center, now Centenary UMC. He was a long-time member of golf clubs in Mankato and Springfield, where he prized a hole-in-one on hole #8.

Carl was a loving father and husband, including supporting daughter Ann during her long struggle with crippling arthritis, and his wife Yvonne during decades of declining vision. He enjoyed his children and grandchildren, whether it was giving them serious guidance or playful golf cart rides. He delighted in his friends and hobbies, whether it was over golf, cigars, Pfeffer, winters on Alabama’s Gulf Shore, or vacationing at Sylvan Lake: all of these meant fun and friendship.

Carl was predeceased by his parents; his aunts, Mandy (Frank) Stout and Mary (Gerald) Ashbaugh; his in-laws, Willis and Jane York; his wife, Yvonne (by five weeks); his oldest child, Ann Todtleben (in 2017); and many cherished friends. Survivors include his children: Joan (Daniel) Collison of Hanover, New Hampshire; John (Cheryl) Todtleben of North Mankato; and Jeff Todtleben (Josie Domingo) of Rosemount. Also, his grandchildren Charlie Collison of Seattle, Caroline Collison of Plattsburgh, New York, and Catherine Collison of Brooklyn, New York; Natalie Todtleben of Mankato, and Olivia Todtleben of North Mankato; Colin Todtleben of Prior Lake, Darin Todtleben of Rochester, and Ryan Todtleben of Seattle.

A celebration of Carl’s life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Springfield (MN) Area Foundation, Centenary UMC, or to the donor’s choice.

Carl’s family would like to thank Robyn at St. Croix Hospice and the exceptional team at New Perspectives Senior Living whose care, compassion, and kindness were so bountiful and which will be long remembered and appreciated.