Theodore Henry Altenritter Jr.

Theodore (Ted) Henry Altenritter Jr., 75, of Longmont, Colorado passed away at home on the morning of January 29th, 2026 after a long battle with Crohn's disease and prostate cancer. He was born on November 30, 1950 in Brooklyn, New York to Theodore Henry Altenritter Sr. and Esterina Theresia Romano. The family moved to Wood River, Illinois a few years later. During his youth, Ted was an accomplished multi-sport athlete who went on to study Philosophy at Fort Hays State University in Hays, Kansas and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. After college, Ted spent time as a student of the teachings of G.I. Gurdjieff at the Institute for Religious Development in Warwick, New York. Upon his return to Illinois, this time in Decatur, he attended trade school for shoemaking and then moved to Colorado where he started his career as a shoemaker and leather craftsman at Perry’s Shoe Shop and went on to open his own business, Leather Teddy, that he owned and operated for more than 50 years. A passionate artist, Ted was sought after for his talent in repairing leather goods and unique custom creations by customers across the United States, ranging from belts and purses to covers for pole vault pits. In recent years, he volunteered his talents with a local shelter to repair backpacks, sleeping bags and jackets. In addition to his work as a craftsman, Ted was a percussionist who performed with a number of local bands and an accomplished chef who proudly prepared delicious meals for his friends and family. He loved watching and talking about sports and spending time outside gardening, walking, swimming, birdwatching, and fishing. Ted was preceded in death by his parents. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 38 years, Melodie Mandrell, daughters Asti Altenritter, Cali Altenritter, and Bethany Bonham, sister and brother-in-law Denise and Jeff Smith, and nieces and their families Kristen, Jamie, Caroline, and Benjamin Burnett, and Megan, Danny, Theodore, and Susanna Heffernan. He will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, dedicated artist, lifelong learner, humorous storyteller, and generous friend. Ted has been cremated and details on a memorial service will follow.