Theodore Paul Lontkowski

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Theodore Paul Lontkowski, Sr. on October 31, 2026, at the blessed age of 95. Theodore (nicknamed “Ted”) was born on July 11, 1931, in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, and lived in The Woodlands, Texas, from 1998 until his death.

Theodore was raised on the family farm in Wood County, Wisconsin, near Wisconsin Rapids. He rubbed shoulders with Chippewa (Ojibwa) Indigenous People, and was the only child of Michael Edward Lontkowski and Anna Lontkowski (nee Kleczka), who were overjoyed to learn later in life that they would become parents. His father served in the 86th Infantry of the US Army Blackhawk Division during World War I. His mother was, among other things, a suffragette working for women’s rights.

Ted moved from Wisconsin Rapids to Milwaukee with his parents in 1942. He was drafted into the US Army in 1951 and served five years in the Second Armored Division in Frankfurt, Germany, and was honorably discharged as a Sergeant. Ted married Patricia Anastasia Patyk of Wakefield, Michigan, on September 17, 1955. They lived in Fort Knox, Kentucky, but relocated to Milwaukee following his honorable discharge from the US Army. Ted worked for Adelman Laundry, the United States Post Office, and Mallard Coach until he joined the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad as a railroad clerk and later as a dispatcher. He also worked for the Soo Line, Southern Pacific, and Union Pacific, which required him to relocate multiple times to Omaha, Denver, and finally Spring, Texas.

Theodore was a devoted husband to Patricia Patyk until her brutal death from COVID-19 on December 16, 2020. Her death was devastating for Theodore and the entire family. They were married for 65 years. He was a loving and dedicated father to his four children: Theodore, Jr. Lontkowski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Thomas Lontkowski (wife Janet) of Palm Coast, Florida; Marcy Mehdizadeh (husband Mehrdad) of Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania; and Melanie Lontkowski of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Theodore was grateful and proud to be the Grandfather of five, a Great-Grandfather, and was recently overjoyed to become a great-great-grandfather. His grandchildren include Christie Lontkowski (Ocala, Florida), Alison Lontkowski (Fort Myers, Florida), Andrew Mehdizadeh (Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania), Justin Mehdizadeh (wife Deena Al-Aawah) (Reston, Virginia), and Theodore Lontkowski, III (Ashippun, Wisconsin). His great granddaughter is Skyler Tawney, now serving in the US Navy, and his great-great-granddaughter is Murphy (Japan).

Theodore had a passion for life and lived it to the fullest. He was an avid automobile and railroad enthusiast, having worked for five different railroads over 32 years. He was a devoted Green Bay Packers fan and dog lover, and loved all animals. Ted was delighted to see his Milwaukee Brewers win their first World Series before he passed.

Theodore had a warm heart and was always willing to help those in need, especially his children. He was a man of integrity and was greatly respected by all who knew him. He remained positive even as his health declined, and when asked by his physician the day before he died how he was doing, he paused and said, “I am better off than some.” Before his condition changed, he had always said, “I am better than most.”

Theodore will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was a true gentleman, and his kind and gentle spirit will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. A celebration of life will be held at 11:45 AM on November 5, 2026, at Houston National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate in Theodore's memory to the SPCA or any organization that helps rescue animals.

Rest in peace, Theodore. You will be deeply missed by all who loved you.

Visitation will be held at American Heritage Funeral Home, 10710 Veterans Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77038, US, on November 5, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:45 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location from 11:45 am to 12:45 pm.

A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on November 5, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm.