Theodore Mead WEDEL

1931 - 2016

WEDEL, Theodore Mead Theodore "Ted" Mead Wedel passed away July 15, 2016 at Air Force Village West in Riverside. Born March 16, 1931 in San Francisco at the University of California to Wesley and Althea Wedel, he was preceded in death by his loving wife Gerda and his son, Theodore. Ted is survived by his two daughters, Diana Wedel and her wife, Donna, Seattle; Dagmar and her husband Patrick, Sonoma; three grandchildren: Theodore Wedel III, Corona, Brittany Wedel, Corona, Christa Daley, Bakersfield; one great-granddaughter, Tori Mead Oschmann; his sister, Jackie Collins, Santa Rosa; and many nieces and nephews in California and Germany. Mr. Wedel began his early life in San Francisco living near the zoo. Throughout his life, he enjoyed telling stories and sharing his memories of hearing the animals at night. Graduating from Lick Wilmerding High School in 1947, he attended the College of Marin, UC Berkeley, and received his BS in Engineering from San Jose State. He served in the U.S. Army as a Radio and Communications officer and met his wife, Gerda, while in the service in Germany. He received the National Defense Service Medal for his time in the service. Later he returned to school and received an MBA and MSA from Pepperdine University. After a long career in various engineering roles, primarily at Lockheed Missiles and Space Corporation, he retired and, along with his wife, spent many good years travelling in their RV throughout the United States. Serving as President of the Safari Club and as President of the California Imported Car Club, he loved planning car rallies and attending them with his wife. He also enjoyed watching his grandson, Teddy, play baseball, and spending time with his granddaughters, Brittany and Christa. His later years were spent at Air Force Village West in Riverside, where he made new friends and continued to enjoy his life-long love of walking every day. Known for his curious nature, his humor, his warmth, and his keen mathematical acuity (he could remember Calculus throughout his life), he will be missed by his family and friends.