Theodore James "Ted" Thummel

Theodore James "Ted" Thummel was born May 21, 1933, to Gregory Thomas and Mildred Louise Ulin Thummel. He passed from this life on March 16, 2025, aged 91 years, 9 months, and 23 days. Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda Marie, a daughter Roxangela Elaine, his parents and sisters Orva Jean Brogden and Carol JoAnn Bennett. Surviving Ted are James Alan and wife Sabrina Marie, Regina Marie, Jonathan Peter and wife Karen Loraine and Joel Christopher, and stepson Olaf Carl "Trey" Anderson and wife Carol Lyn. His grandchildren are Duncan and Robert Anderson, Katrina Gray and Mackenzie Thummel, and Heather, Megan and Jessica Thummel. Six great grandchildren, nieces and nephews also survive him.
Ted was born on a farm near Dentonia, Kansas. The family soon moved to just southwest of Esbon, where he attended both grade and high school, graduating in 1951. Drafted in May 1953, Ted spent about 15 months in Europe in 1954 and 1955, and was able to visit Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Germany and England. He was able to see the Mediterranean Sea, the Alps, the Danube, Rhine and Rhone rivers, and was able to visit 4 of the 5 largest cathedrals in the world. Following his honorable discharge from the army in April 1955 he was able to return home in time for spring work at the family farm. For the next almost 70 years he continued to follow his passion for farming.
Ted was active in the local community through activities with the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Perry Lamb American Legion Post. He, and his wife Wanda, were active in 4-H as adult leaders for the Whitemound Builders 4-H club, project leaders, county fair board, and fair superintendent.