Edward F Bokhof

Edward “Ted” Frederick Bokhof passed away unexpectedly due to complications from dementia at his home in Skokie, Illinois, on January 22, 2026. He was preceded in death by his father, H. Steel Bokhof Sr., his mother Edlyn (nee Blettner), his older brother, Steel, and his fraternal twin, Dick.

Ted was born in Shaker Heights, OH, on September 28, 1939. His family moved to Illinois in 1949, settling in the suburb of Wilmette on Chicago’s north shore. After graduating from Glenbrook High School in 1957, he attended and graduated from Rippon College in Wisconsin.

After graduation, Ted followed his father’s footsteps into the advertising business where he worked for many advertising agencies in both Chicago and New York. In the ’60’s, he co-founded Fire Escape, an advertising and commercial production company in Chicago.

Ted spent the majority of his life in the Chicago area, but after a visit to Northern California in 1971, he bought a share of a cooperative farm where he lived for some time. In addition to tending the apple orchard on the farm, Ted pursued a career in the film industry. He worked on many projects, most notably as a camera operator for Francis Ford Coppola’s Rumblefish and The Outsiders, as well as John Landis’ The Blues Brothers.

After returning to Chicago, he started Cityworks, a production company that took him all over the world. He worked on commercial campaigns, documentaries, and feature films.

Ted was married twice, first to Carin Bokhof in 1969, and then to Cynthia Brady in 1986. Later, he had a long-term partner, Gigi Miele. He remained close with all three throughout his life. Ted is survived by his sister-in-law, Penny Bokhof, and was beloved by his nieces and nephews, Laura, Steel, Lee (Burns), Nicole, and Brad Bokhof.

Ted was a passionate gardener, cyclist, and reader. He was always involved in his community, from Yorkville, California, to the Wicker Park neighborhood in Chicago, to Tryon Farm in Michigan City, Indiana. He was also a devoted fan of the Green Bay Packers, much to the chagrin of his Bears fan brothers.

Ted will be deeply mourned by his friends and family.

The family is planning a celebration of life in the Chicago area on March 21st, as well as a celebration and scattering of ashes at the farm in Yorkville, CA, on May 27th. Please contact Steel at [email protected] for details.