Theodore "Ted" E. Stepanek

Theodore “Ted” E. Stepanek, 93, of La Porte, Indiana passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
Ted was born April 22, 1928, in La Porte, Indiana to the late Stanley Sr. and Mary (Garbowski) Stepanek.

On October 19, 1948, Ted married his high school sweetheart and wife of 67 years, Margaret “Mugsie” Boardman who preceded him in death on August 4, 2015.  On July 22, 2018, Ted married Christine (Brodzinski) who survives.

Ted was inducted into the La Porte High School All State Hall of Fame in 1993 for his 1946 season as a Football Captain 3rd string. Ted began his career as a barber in the 1950's. Ted and his wife purchased Ted’s Barbershop in January of 1960 in North Liberty where he continued as a barber until January of 2022. He loved playing all sports, especially golf, football, and baseball. He was a die-hard Cubs fan. In 1968, Ted moved his family from Indiana Avenue in La Porte to a farm where he raised sheep and a horse, Cocoa.

Ted is survived by his wife, Christine; children, Theodore J. (Joy) Stepanek Jr. of Batesville, Arkansas, Ann M. (Thom) Stocks of Coquille, Oregon, Laura A. (Richard) Bladecki of New Carlisle, Indiana, and Paul (Margaret) Stepanek Boardman of Culver, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Katie Howe, KC Stocks, Richard Bladecki Jr, Amy Wines, Brett Stocks, Melissa Bladecki, George Boardman, Charles Boardman; great grandchildren, Mikey Carter, Ayden Bladecki, Michelle & Donnie Kazmierzak, Sage & Teagan Stocks, Augie & Olivia Howe, Kianna, Katie & Kody Stocks, Alina & Samantha Blaze; four step-children, Sarah (Tim) Arden, Brad (Candace) Brodzinski, Megan (Brian) Emrich, Eric Brodzinski; six step-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Margaret; his brothers, Michael Stepanek, Walter Stepanek, Mercislaus Stepanek, Julius Stepanek, Stanley Stepanek Jr., Casimir Stepanek, Stephen Stepanek; and a sister, Sister Mary Stepanek.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Central Standard Time Sunday, April 3, 2022, at Frank L. Keszei Funeral Home, Essling Chapel, 1117 Indiana Avenue, La Porte, Indiana.  A Parish Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Central Standard Time.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Central Standard Time Monday, April 4, 2022, at Holy Family Parish, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 109 C Street, La Porte, Indiana.  Reverend Ian Williams will officiate. Family and friends may gather at 9 a.m. Monday in the funeral home prior to the Mass.  Burial will follow in Pine Lake Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice of Valparaiso, IN or La Porte Community Concerts.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Ted’s life or leave a message of comfort for the family, please visit www.EsslingFuneralHome.com.

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