Ted Randall Klimkowski

Ted Randall Klimkowski (WB8PUM)
Age 73 | Lebanon, Tennessee
Signed off the air for the last time on May 11, 2025
Ted Randall Klimkowski (WB8PUM), age 73, of Lebanon, Tennessee, signed off the air for the last time on May 11, 2025. The Going Home Service-Saying 73s, will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 19, 2025, in the chapel of Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon, TN, with Brother Rodney Haskins and Dr. Michael Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from noon until the time of service. Pallbearers will be family and close friends.
Ted was born in Detroit, Michigan, to Carmel A. Earheart Klimkowski and Theodore F. Klimkowski. He graduated from Robichaud High School in 1969 and went on to attend Detroit Bible College, where he deepened his foundation in Christian faith-something that would become a guiding force throughout his life. In his younger years, Ted enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time outdoors-always drawn to peace, nature, and reflection.
He began his broadcasting career at just 15 years old at WMUZ, a Christian radio station in Detroit.
While at WMUZ, Ted met and befriended Dr. Gene Scott, ultimately helping introduce him to shortwave radio. That meeting not only expanded Dr. Scott's global ministry but sparked a lifelong friendship grounded in faith and communication.
Ted's broadcasting journey took him through some of the most iconic stations in radio history. He worked at WVMO, WSDS, WKMF, WCZN, WSAM, WKCQ, WXOX, CKLW, and more.
He ran the local cable television station WKBL in Saginaw, Michigan, located in the downtown mall, where he pioneered an early form of music television by pairing video with popular songs-predating MTV by nearly seven years.
After moving to Tennessee in 1979, Ted became a major force in local broadcasting. He worked with WQKR, WAMG, WCOR, WRMX – Oldies 96.3, Shortwave Station WWCR, WSM-AM, WSM-FM, WZPC – Power Country 102.9, WFCM / Moody Radio, WJKM, and more. He also did engineering for Cumulus and served as Chief Engineer for 5 Star Radio in Clarksville during the early 2000s. During his time with WSM-AM, he also served as an announcer for the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most historic and beloved programs in American radio. He managed and operated WJKM for five years and served as Chief Engineer for Cromwell Radio (now Cromwell Media) for over 20 years, overseeing engineering for ten stations in the greater Nashville area.
In addition to his broadcast achievements, Ted was a successful entrepreneur. While living in Saginaw, Michigan, he founded Great Lakes Carpet Cleaning Company and Emergency Restoration Services, offering full-service cleaning and disaster recovery. After moving to Tennessee, he continued the business under the name Big Red Carpet Cleaning and Restoration, expanding it into a regional operation. Alongside this, he launched a groundbreaking chemical company, developing advanced treatments like Scotchgard-style water repellents and pet odor solutions-technologies that were decades ahead of their time.
A true media pioneer, Ted was responsible for bringing Cashbox Magazine online-making it the first commercial magazine on the internet. His groundbreaking work with CompuServe helped pave the way for modern digital publishing. He was also among the first to stream both audio and video online. His early broadcasts attracted so much traffic they crashed multiple DNS servers-a sign of how far ahead of the curve he was.
Known by his amateur radio call sign WB8PUM, Ted hosted The QSO Radio Show for over 20 years, connecting listeners and operators across the globe. He was a proud member of the Society of Broadcast Engineers, Chapter 103, and received the ARRL Bill Leonard Media Award in both 2008 and 2009.
Ted's final project was one of his most unique and heartfelt: producing WRMI Legends and programming content for ham radio and shortwave audiences, where he found creative ways to spread the Gospel through American Rock and Roll. Even in his final years, Ted remained passionate about using radio to reach people in unexpected places-with a message of hope, truth, and faith in Jesus Christ. That mission will live on through the voices he inspired, the broadcasts he created, and the memories he leaves behind.
Ted is survived by his loving wife, Holly Misslin Klimkowski; sons David (Sarah) Klimkowski and Matt (Stacy) Klimkowski; and grandchildren Roman, Noah, and Lily Rozevink, as well as Brian and James Klimkowski. He is also survived by extended family and many cherished friends in the amateur and professional radio communities.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Carmel A. and Theodore F. Klimkowski.
Ted's life was one of faith, vision, and relentless innovation. Whether building businesses, shaping the future of broadcasting, or helping a friend find their voice, he lived to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Though his mic has fallen silent, his voice continues to echo-in the lives he touched, the signals he sent, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Saying 73s, WB8PUM. Until we meet again.
Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
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