Theodore "Ted" Joseph Tomczak, 86, of Kettle River, passed away Tuesday, July 21, 2015 in Oakview Assisted Living, Moose Lake. He was born March 15, 1929 in Split Rock Township to Martin and Annie (Suchoski) Tomczak. Ted graduated from Moose Lake High School in 1947. Ted was a Veteran of The United States Army who served from 1951-1953 during the Korean Conflict. He then returned home and purchased his parents farm and began farming. During this time, Ted also went to Agricultural School at night through the GI Bill. Ted was united in marriage to Celia Greske on June 6, 1953 in Split Rock Township. Farming was Ted's #1 passion. He was awarded the Soil Conservation Award from the Star Tribune in 1966. Ted enjoyed welding, hunting, gardening, cooking and canning. Ted took special pride in watching his sons play football in their high school and college years. He was also an avid Viking and Twins fan. Ted was a member of Star Club, Kettle River American Legion Post #360, served on the C.A.P. board, St. Joseph's Catholic Church as well as Holy Angels Catholic Church. As a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Split Rock Township, Ted was on the Diocesan Pastoral Council (DPC) of the Diocese of Duluth.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Celia M. Tomczak; son, Mark S. Tomczak; grandson, SSTG Zachary B. Tomczak; 6 brothers, Frank, Michael, Robert, John, Clem and Stanley; 1 sister, Cecelia Angell.

Ted is survived by 10 children, Bro. Timothy Tomczak, O.S.C. of Phoenix, AZ, Mary (Jim) Kwapick of Denham, Stella (Les) Dyer of Waterloo, NE, Kevin (Rae) Tomczak of Kettle River, Kenny (Laurie) Tomczak of Kettle River, Antoinette Johnson of Little Falls, Blaise (Jackie) Tomczak of Huron, SD, Clare (Jim) Van Den Boom of Little Falls, Dolores Berglund of Little Falls and Daryl Tomczak of Kettle River; 23 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

A gathering of family and friends will be Friday, July 24, from 5-8 PM with a Rosary Service at 7:30 PM in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake and will continue Saturday, July 25, from 10 AM until the 11 AM Memorial Mass of Christian Burial in St. Joseph's Catholic Church, Split Rock Township.

Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers to The Crosier Fathers and Brothers, PO Box 500, Onamia, MN 56359 for the formation and education of Crosiers. To sign the guestbook online, go to: www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.