Theodore "Ted" S. Hendzel Jr, son, brother, husband, father, papa, engineer, fisherman, and woodworker, was born in Chicago on Halloween night 74 years ago to Ann and Ted Hendzel.
Ted was big brother to twin sisters, Diane and Dolores, and as a child loved to fish - a passion which continued the rest of his life.
On Aug 27th, 1976, Ted took his seat on Eastern Airlines Flight #262 next to a talkative woman with very curly hair. A year later, Carol became his wife and soon after they welcomed their beautiful daughters Kelly, Erin and Kate.
Eventually, they transitioned from Bears fans to Packer fans in order to accommodate Ted's new job at the University of Wisconsin-Stout where he was Director of the Physical Plant. Ted received a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, Chicago, and a Master's Degree in Engineering Management from Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) in order to facilitate this career.
His family grew to include Hunter, the beloved Golden Retriever, who provided necessary respite from an otherwise all-female household. As time flew by, it also included son-in-laws Jacy (Kelly), Jake (Erin) and TJ (Kate), as well as grandchildren Abigail, Rachel, Nina, Elijah, Anna, Eva, and Michael.
Ted was happy fishing on his boat, building Mission-style furniture, sitting on the back patio, and eating sweets with his family. Despite his Alzheimer's diagnosis, he was happy till the end.
Per Ted's wishes there will be no service. Please think of him and be kind to one another.
Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com. Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road,
Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.
To send flowers
to the family, please visit our floral store.