Theodore "Ted" M. Gapinski 1932—2016
Theodore "Ted" M. Gapinski, 84, passed away November 14, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. He was born March 4, 1932, in Chicago, Illinois to Fred and Dora (Eaton) Gapinski. He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Neal and Kathleen Kimmel; brother-in-law, Jim Kimmel; foster parents, John and Beth Russell; an infant brother, Fred John; sisters, Marie Hubbard, Myrtle Balestino, and Violet Mayfield. He is survived by two sisters, Lucille Niedra and Francis (Richard) Anson, and foster brother, Jay (Anne) Russell. Ted married Virginia Kimmel on June 19, 1955 in Morrison, IL. Together they have three children, Alan (Keni Fay), James (Ann), and Kathy (Tim) McGuire; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren. Ted moved to Princeton, Illinois at the age of 8, to live at the Swedish Covenant Children's Home. Ted later lived with John and Beth Russell until his graduation from Princeton High School in 1950. Ted attended Western Illinois University on a football scholarship from 1950 until 1952. Ted served in the United States Army during the Korean War. He then returned to Western Illinois University where he met his wife, Virginia. They were married 61 years. Ted earned his Bachelor of Education Degree from Western Illinois University, and a Masters Degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University. Ted began his career as a teacher and coach at the Prophetstown Junior High in Prophetstown, Illinois in 1956. He was promoted to the Superintendent of Prophetstown Elementary School in 1961. In 1967, Ted became the Superintendent of the Forreston School District and retired after 32 years of service from the Forrestville Valley Unified School District.
A private family service is planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers or donations, honor Ted by supporting a child in need during this holiday season. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 3910 N. Rockton Ave., Rockford, IL 61103. Send online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com

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Published by The Freeport Journal Standard on Nov. 15, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Theodore Gapinski

10 Entries

Sheila Thompson

December 8, 2018

A great man! I'll never forget squirting him with a water gun during the annual cookout my senior year. We got to be there as seniors because it rained on our skip day, so the cookout was postponed. He was surprised, but he laughed heartily as he defended himself from my attack with his hamburger-flipping spatula! (There's a pic in the 1976 yearbook.) That's the kind of superintendent a student loves! My heart will always remember THAT man! Hugs, love and prayers as you recall your fond memories of this remarkable individual!

David Rigsbee

November 27, 2016

Ted hired me for my first math teaching position in the fall of 1974. I learned a great deal in the five years I taught at Forreston High School. I recently retired after a 40-year teaching career. I am sorry to learn of his passing. David Rigsbee

November 17, 2016

Virginia and Family, Mary and I wish to express our deepest sympathy at this time of your loss. I learned more from Ted in my first year at Prophetstown about working with students and parents than from any textbook I had in college. TED was the best. Irvin Sanderson

November 16, 2016

My deepest sympathies to Ted,s entire family. I got a chance to be a student while he was Superintendent but I truely gained wisdom from talking to him after I graduated he cared about our district and the people it represented and there is no higher praise I can think of. He will be missed.
Richard Toms Mount Morris Il

Pam (Book) Riley

November 16, 2016

Thoughts and Prayers to the Gapinski families. Sympathies to all.
RIP Mr. Gapinski

Daryl & Gerry Harrenstein

November 16, 2016

Virginia,Alan,Jim,Kathy, Our deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. Ted was one the best superintendents at Forreston and I was glad to be there under his administration. God bless.

Amy Juergens Ter Hark

November 15, 2016

Mr. Gapinski was indeed a "super" administrator at Forreston, well-liked by students and staff alike. My father served on the School Board with him for many years. Perhaps they are now meeting around a conference table in Heaven! My condolences to the entire family. (FHS Class of 1983)

Susan White

November 15, 2016

God hold all of you close at this difficult time. Prayers and a hug for your family.

Renee Ruter Setterstrom

November 15, 2016

My sympathies to you all! He was a great man! He hired me on as the first music aide in 1985, putting me on a course that changed my life and helped my find my true calling. He will always be remembered fondly.

Greg Muller

November 15, 2016

My condolences to all. I tried to never miss a meal, especially when Ted was grilling steaks. There was always, unless Jim was in trouble, a place at the table for me.

As Ted shines down upon us, may he rest in peace, and the memories of his life be cherished to all who knew him.

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