Todd James Shoemaker

Todd Shoemaker was born September 2, 1963 in Belgrade, Nebraska to parents Jim and Marcia Shoemaker of Grand Island, Nebraska. He is the oldest of three boys. Todd and his brothers Brett and Tracy grew up in Belgrade. He finished high school and joined the United States Army in 1981. His duty stations include: Ft Riley, Kansas; Little Rock, AR, Ft Polk, LA, Ft Drum, NY and Friedberg Ray Barracks, Germany, where he met his wife, Ursula. They married in 1990. Todd deployed to the Middle East during Desert Storm in 1991. He retired as a 1st Sergeant from the Army in 2005 after 22 honorable years of service. Todd, Ursula and their two daughters, Nicole and Jessica settled in the area of his final duty station, Ft. Hood/Killeen, TX.

Todd decided to continue his dedication by joining the Killeen Police Department in 2005. He served as a patrol officer for 4 years before being accepted into the K9 program. Todd had 2 partners during his 11 year K9 career. Azor, who has passed away in 2014, and his current partner, Arco. There is nothing about being a K9 handler he didn’t love. Both of his 4 legged partners shared every aspect of his life, including living at home and being loved by his family.

In his free time Todd loved living his best life outdoors and spending time with his family. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He looked forward to his family vacations, camping trips with family and friends and his annual Colorado elk hunting trip.

Todd is survived by his loving wife, Ursula Shoemaker and their daughters Nicole and Jessica Shoemaker; Kai Philippi (nephew) ; his father, Jim Shoemaker; daughter Shannon Shoemaker; brothers Brett and Tracy Shoemaker; Mother in law Renate Philippi; Sister and Brother in law Violetta and Wolfgang Philippi as well as numerous family members in Germany and cousins and dear friends.

Todd will never be forgotten and will live in our hearts forever loved. This is not good bye, this is see you later.