Todd Byron Price, a respected agricultural educator, community leader and longtime advocate for connecting people with farming, died unexpectedly on September 28, 2026, at the age of 55.
Price, of Golf, Illinois, spent decades building programs that introduced families, students and young people to agriculture. At the time of his death, he was Vice President of Operations and Board Secretary for Farm Foundation, where he helped develop the organization’s Innovation and Education Campus in Libertyville, Illinois.
His death has brought sadness across agricultural, 4-H, Farm Bureau and education communities in northern Illinois and beyond.
Todd Price’s Obituary Confirms His Passing
N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home confirmed that Todd Byron Price died unexpectedly on September 28, 2026.
He was born on May 27, 1971, in Evanston, Illinois, and was 55 years old.
Todd grew up with his brother, David, on his family’s farm near Clarinda, Iowa, a property that had remained in the Price family since the 1850s.
His upbringing on a grain and livestock farm helped develop the passion for agriculture that would eventually shape most of his professional life.
Todd Price’s Cause of Death Has Not Been Publicly Disclosed
Todd’s obituary states that he died unexpectedly but does not disclose a specific medical cause of death.
No verified statement from his family, funeral home or another authorized source reviewed for this article has identified an illness, medical emergency or other specific circumstance responsible for his death.
For that reason, his cause of death should be regarded as private unless his family chooses to release additional information.
The word “unexpectedly” confirms the sudden nature of his passing but should not be interpreted as identifying a particular medical cause.
Todd Price Grew Up Surrounded by Agriculture
Agriculture was part of Todd’s life from childhood.
He grew up on the Price family farm near Clarinda, Iowa, alongside his brother David.
His father, Van Price, was a farmer as well as a middle-school science teacher and coach. His mother, Jan, was also an educator.
That combination of agriculture and education became a defining theme throughout Todd’s own career.
Rather than viewing farming simply as a business, he repeatedly worked to help people understand agriculture, its history and its importance to communities.
Early Career at Living History Farms
One of Todd’s early professional opportunities came through Living History Farms in Iowa.
According to his obituary, a chance meeting with a former high-school friend while visiting the site led him to become a historical interpreter at its 1900 Farm.
That work combined several interests that would remain important throughout his life: agriculture, history, education and public engagement.
Todd later became the founding Director of the Museums at Prophetstown in Indiana.
These early experiences prepared him for what would become one of the most significant roles of his career.
Founding Director of Historic Wagner Farm
Todd moved to Glenview, Illinois, in 2001 to become the founding director of Historic Wagner Farm.
He spent 17 years helping develop the site into a place where families could learn about agriculture, history and farm life.
During his leadership, Wagner Farm became much more than a preserved historic property.
Todd worked to create educational programming and experiences that connected modern suburban families with the agricultural traditions that helped shape northern Illinois.
His ability to bring history and farming together became one of the defining achievements of his career.
Founder of the Glenview Clovers 4-H Club
Todd’s commitment to young people was also reflected in his work with 4-H.
He founded the Glenview Clovers 4-H Club, creating opportunities for children and teenagers to develop practical skills, confidence and stronger connections with agriculture.
4-H programs traditionally emphasize learning by doing, leadership development and agricultural education.
Todd’s involvement extended beyond simply creating a club. His obituary describes him as someone who had a particular talent for identifying potential in others and encouraging people to develop their abilities.
That mentoring role became an important part of the legacy he left behind.
Leadership With the Glenview Park District
After nearly two decades at Wagner Farm, Todd became a superintendent with the Glenview Park District in 2018.
He remained in that role until 2021.
The position allowed him to continue contributing to public programming, education and community development on a broader level.
His career repeatedly placed him in roles where he was responsible for turning ideas into functioning programs that could serve families and communities.
Todd Joined Farm Foundation in 2021
In 2021, Todd joined Farm Foundation, an organization focused on agriculture, food systems, education and innovation.
He ultimately became Vice President of Operations and Board Secretary.
Farm Foundation described him as bringing two decades of agricultural education leadership to the organization.
His previous experience included Living History Farms, Museums at Prophetstown, Wagner Farm and the Glenview Park District.
Major Role in Farm Foundation’s Libertyville Campus
One of Todd’s major projects with Farm Foundation was helping develop its Innovation and Education Campus in Libertyville.
The campus was created as a place where agriculture, education and innovation could come together.
Todd played a central operational role in turning that vision into reality.
The location in Lake County strengthened his ties to the agricultural and educational community there.
It is also where his family has chosen to hold the celebration of his life.
Cook County Farm Bureau Remembers Todd Price
The Cook County Farm Bureau issued its own tribute following news of Todd’s death.
The organization described him as a board member, agricultural advocate and valued friend who had spent years promoting agricultural education.
Todd first developed a relationship with the Farm Bureau while serving as director of Wagner Farm.
He sought a partnership focused on agricultural education and literacy, eventually becoming deeply involved with the organization.
In 2018, he was elected to the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
Work With Agricultural Literacy Programs
Todd served with the Cook County Farm Bureau’s Ag Literacy Team and Commodities/Marketing Team.
The Farm Bureau said his involvement reflected his passion for farming, education and volunteer service.
Agricultural literacy programs help students and the wider public understand where food comes from, how farming works and how agriculture contributes to communities and economies.
Todd spent much of his career building exactly those kinds of connections.
Recognized by the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame
Todd’s contributions to youth development and agriculture were recognized beyond Illinois.
He was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
The honor reflected his longstanding commitment to 4-H and the influence of his own agricultural upbringing in Iowa.
He also graduated from the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation program, further demonstrating his commitment to leadership development within agriculture.
A Mentor Who Saw Potential in Others
Todd’s obituary repeatedly emphasizes his ability to mentor and encourage others.
He was described as someone who could recognize potential in people and help them develop their abilities without forcing them down a particular path.
That quality made him valuable not just as an administrator or agricultural leader, but also as a teacher.
Many of the programs he helped build may continue for years, but his personal influence may be most visible in the people he encouraged along the way.
Remembered for Humor, Curiosity and Kindness
Todd’s obituary also presents a more personal picture of his character.
He was described as hardworking, endlessly curious and deeply interested in making a difference.
He also had a playful sense of humor and enjoyed participating in — or sometimes starting — lighthearted mischief before watching with amusement.
He enjoyed history, cooking for people he loved and connecting people around common interests.
Those qualities help explain why tributes following his death have focused not only on his professional achievements but also on the relationships he built.
Family Members Mourning Todd Price
Todd is survived by his wife, Laura, and their daughter, Cassidy Price, along with Cassidy’s partner, Gina Mauro.
He is also survived by his mother, Jan Price of Clarinda, Iowa; his brother, David Price and David’s wife, Jen; nieces and nephews; his father-in-law, Doug Ohde; and extended family.
Todd was preceded in death by his father, Van Price, his mother-in-law, Marcia Ohde, and several other relatives.
For his family, his death represents the loss of a husband, father, son, brother and uncle rather than simply the loss of an agricultural leader.
Celebration of Life Planned at Farm Foundation Campus
A celebration of Todd Price’s life is scheduled for Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 11:30 a.m.
The service will take place at the Farm Foundation Innovation and Education Campus at 31330 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois.
Lunch will follow the service.
In keeping with Todd’s personality and agricultural background, attendees have been encouraged to dress comfortably in combinations such as plaid shirts, jeans, baseball caps and boots.
Holding the service at the campus he helped develop provides a particularly meaningful setting for remembering his work and legacy.
Memorial Scholarship Established in Todd’s Name
Todd’s family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Todd Price Memorial 4-H Scholarship.
The scholarship is administered by Friends of Wagner Farm.
The choice of a 4-H scholarship closely reflects Todd’s lifelong commitment to agriculture, education and youth development.
Rather than ending with his death, that work can continue through young people receiving opportunities in his name.
What Has Been Confirmed
The following details have been publicly confirmed:
- Todd Byron Price was born on May 27, 1971.
- He died unexpectedly on September 28, 2026.
- He was 55 years old.
- He lived in Golf, Illinois.
- He grew up on his family’s Iowa grain and livestock farm.
- He worked at Living History Farms.
- He served as founding Director of the Museums at Prophetstown.
- He became founding director of Historic Wagner Farm in Glenview in 2001.
- He spent 17 years leading Wagner Farm.
- He founded the Glenview Clovers 4-H Club.
- He later worked as a superintendent with the Glenview Park District.
- He joined Farm Foundation in 2021.
- He became Vice President of Operations and Board Secretary.
- He helped develop Farm Foundation’s Innovation and Education Campus in Libertyville.
- He served on the Cook County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
- He was inducted into the Iowa 4-H Hall of Fame.
- He was a graduate of the Illinois Agricultural Leadership Foundation.
- A celebration of life is scheduled for October 3, 2026, in Libertyville.
What Has Not Been Publicly Announced
At the time of publication, the following information had not been publicly disclosed:
- Todd Price’s specific medical cause of death.
- Whether he had been experiencing a known illness.
- The circumstances immediately preceding his death.
- Any detailed medical information concerning his passing.
Those details should not be assumed unless Todd’s family or another authorized source chooses to release them.
Lake County and Agricultural Communities Remember a Lasting Legacy
Todd Byron Price spent much of his adult life making agriculture understandable and accessible to people who may never have grown up on a farm.
From historical interpretation in Iowa to Wagner Farm in Glenview, Farm Bureau leadership and the Farm Foundation campus in Libertyville, his career consistently brought together farming, education, history and community.
His influence was especially visible in the young people he supported through 4-H and the volunteers and colleagues he encouraged throughout his career.
Todd’s death at 55 has brought an unexpected loss to his family and to agricultural organizations across the region.
But the farms, educational programs, youth organizations and institutions he helped strengthen remain part of the legacy he leaves behind.
Disclaimer
This report is based on the obituary published by N.H. Scott & Hanekamp Funeral Home, Farm Foundation records and the Cook County Farm Bureau’s public tribute to Todd Byron Price. These sources confirm his death on September 28, 2026, at age 55 and document his extensive career in agricultural education and leadership. His obituary states that he died unexpectedly but does not disclose a specific medical cause of death. This article does not speculate about private health circumstances that his family has not publicly shared.