Theodore Stephen Langowski

Theodore Langowski 98, was born in the coal mining camp of Sopris, CO on October 9, 1923 and passed on February 9th after a short period of illness. He was the oldest of five children of Edith (Skufca) and Charles E. Langowski Sr. Brothers and sister included Henry “Hank” (Blanche), Charles (Minnie), Theodora “Barbara” Russcetti (Danny) and Robert (Sharon).

Ted Graduated from Sopris High School in 1941, received a scholarship to Trinidad State Jr. College and received his AA in Civil Engineering on June 5, 1947.after serving two years in the Army during World War II.

He married the love of his life, Frances M. Veltri on June 3, 1950 in Trinidad, and moved to Colorado Springs in 1951. They were married over 49 years before she passed from MS in October 1999. They have one son, Tedd of Denver, CO and daughter Rose McQuinn (Ron) of Centennial, CO. Ted also has numerous nieces and nephews.

Ted worked construction from 1951 until retirement in 1982 from G.E. Johnson Construction Company. He worked numerous commercial projects within the Colorado Springs and Denver metro area, as well as working in Topeka, KS and Austin, TX.

Ted volunteered with the Cub Scouts, from 1960 until 1974 as a Cubmaster of Pack 43, Webelos Leader and also as a Scoutmaster of Troop 13 from 1966 until 1974. Until COVID put a lock on everything, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts for over 60 years in various capacities, including the Catholic Committee. He was inducted into the Order of the Arrow in 1971; 2001 received both the Bronze Pelican and Silver Beaver Award. In 2003, he received the St. Elizabeth Ann Award for work with the Girl Scouts. In 2004, Ted received the St. George award in Scouting, and was inducted into the Vigil Honor of the Order of the Arrow and Wood Badge in 2006. In 2010 Ted received the Golden Bow and the Quality Diocese Award. Ted was responsible for guiding Scouts in the solemn ceremony of retiring (burning) old, damaged American flags at Camp Alexander and was instrumental is getting a flag pole installed at the Scout office in Colorado Springs in October 2015, as their new building lacked a flag pole that today proudly flies our U.S. flag.

He loved to fish on his boat named Fran, named after his wife. He spent many days fishing on 11 Mile Reservoir, Spinney and Antero Reservoir in both the summer and winter. He fondly talked about his fishing trips to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, as well as other reservoirs in Colorado. To fill his days when not fishing or supporting the Boy Scouts, he volunteered at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. He was also a big fan of the Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies Baseball team.

Ted was a member of Divine Redeemer Catholic Church where he served as an usher and was also a member of the 4th Degree of the Knights of Columbus.

As a veteran of World War II, he was involved in the World War II Veterans organization. This included events around Colorado Springs, as well as a trip to Washington, D.C. with the Honor Flight to view the World War II Memorial.

He will be featured in the “Mists of Time” historical documentary of celebrating the first Colorado Coal Miners in “They Came for Coal” that will have a premier showing at the First Methodist Church, 420 North Nevada Avenue, on Sunday, March 6th 2022.

He served his country, family, wife, God and friends with grace, humor and so much love. A piece of our hearts will be forever missing.

Visitation will be from 3:00 to 6:00 on Friday, 2/18 at Swan Law Funeral Directors, 501 N. Cascade Ave, 719-471-9900. Services will be at 10:00, 2/19 at Divine Redeemer Church, 927 N. Logan Avenue, 719-633-5559. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 3825 Airport Road immediately following the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the World War II Veterans organization or the MS Society in memory of his wife Frances.