W. R. "Ted" Kuball

W.R. "Ted" Kuball, D.D.S., a generous friend, father and husband, died at home on March 20, 2024, surrounded by his wife, Lalee, and lifelong friends, all of whom had toasted him with Angel's Envy just moments before he took his last breath. He went out the way he lived – surrounded by friends and stories and laughter.

Ted was born in St. Joseph on Dec. 28, 1945. He graduated in 1964 from St. Joseph High School, where he played baseball and football; attended Michigan State University, where he almost walked on to the baseball team; and graduated in 1971 from the world's No. 1 ranked dental school at the University of Michigan.

He was a captain in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a dentist at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington, D.C., for two years, where, among other things, he fitted a White House sentry German shepherd with a crown. After serving in the Air Force, he returned to his hometown to serve his community by practicing dentistry as artistry for 38 years.

Ted married Laura (Lalee) Netedu on June 28, 1969. Together, they built a home and a dental practice, raised three beloved daughters, and traveled the world, sharing the joys of good food and drink and friends. Over 54 years of devoted partnership, Ted never stopped telling Lalee how very beautiful she was to him.

He was a lifelong White Sox and Cubs fan and attended his last game at Wrigley Field with his family in 2023. (Cubs won!) He diligently studied golf, becoming an excellent golfer and sharing his love for the game with friends as he organized annual golfing trips with a big group of guys for years. He had weekly breakfasts with friends he had known since grade school, and maintained lasting connections with friends made in Russia through service and cultural exchange.

He is survived by his wife, Laura; his three daughters: Elizabeth Kuball of Portland, Ore., Katharine (Ben) Wagner of Elmhurst, Ill., and Cara Kuball (Damon Bishop) of Stone Ridge, N.Y.; two grandchildren: Jacob and Kaitlyn Wagner; sister, Barbara (Gary) Walker; and sister-in-law, Nancy Worthington. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Alice (Lehman) Kuball.

According to Ted's wishes, a private ceremony will be held at a later date. Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Road, St. Joseph.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his honor to the St. Joseph Public Schools Foundation or the First Congregational Church.

Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel & Cremation Services, 556-9450.