Sunday, November 1, 2009

Theodore N. Baldukas

Racine/Madison – Theodore ‘Ted’ N. Baldukas, 92, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 1, 2009, at The University of Wisconsin Hospital, Madison. He was born in Racine, on November 12, 1916, the son of Nicholas and Vivian (nee: Corombos) Baldukas.

Ted was a graduate of Washington Park High School and attended MSOE for one year. He proudly served in the United States Army, with the 2nd Calvary Division. Ted later served in New Guinea with the United States Army Air Force, 2nd Photo Mapping Squadron, as a waist gunner on a B-24 bomber, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946.

He had been employed at Hamilton Beach until their closing, then at Badger Meter, Inc. until his retirement in 1985.

Ted was an active member of Kimissis Tis Theotokou Church, a member of AHEPA and served on the church council for many years. He was united in marriage to Penelopi ‘Penny’ Siouti on July 1, 1966. Penny shared his passion for travel, taking many trips together. They especially enjoyed their trips to Greece, visiting their extensive families. Ted had an extensive portfolio of slides and photographs from his travels. He narrated and shared these for many years, at the church festival. Ted had a great love of photography and video recording. He was always sought after to record family and friends’ special events.

Surviving is his son, Dean (Kathleen) Baldukas of Stoughton; daughter, Nikki (Scott) Storck of Madison; six beloved grandchildren, Nicholas, Aidan and Theodore Baldukas, Calista, Elena and William Storck; brother, John Baldukas; sister, Jane (Frank) Alioto; sister-in-law, Leone Baldukas, all of Racine; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Maria Lambrides, Fotini (Yiannis) Tsangas and Yiannis Valavannis, all of Greece. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends both in the Untied States and Greece.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Penny, on November 21, 2005; sister, Mary Baldukas; brothers, Plato Baldukas, Peter (Gladys) Baldukas, Chris and Bill (Arlyss) Baldukas; sister-in-law, Luella Baldukas.

Funeral services will be held at Kimissis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church, 1335 S. Green Bay Rd., on Monday, November 9, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. John Ketchum officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a time to meet with family and friends at Sturino Funeral Home on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m., with a Trisagion Service at 6 p.m.

Memorials in Ted’s memory to Kimissis Tis Theotokou Library Fund, 1331 S. Green Bay Rd., Racine, WI 53406 or to Skaalen Home, Inc., 400 N. Morris St., Stoughton, WI 53589 have been suggested.

Special gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at The University of Wisconsin Hospital TLC Unit for their exceptional kindness and grace in caring for our beloved father. He was the best Papouli ever.

Sturino Funeral Home
3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine 262 632-4479

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