Ted L. Johnson, 88, of Bluffton, passed away Monday morning, May 6, 2024, at Bluffton Regional Medical Center.
Ted was born in Bluffton on Feb. 28, 1936, to Harry W. and Helen W. (Johnston) Johnson. He married Margie Hahn in Auburn on Feb. 6, 1954, and they just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.
Ted attended Bluffton High School and served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 until 1962. While serving in the Air Force, Ted was stationed in several different states and countries. Ted worked as a foreman for Mobile Aerial Towers in Fort Wayne for 14 years. He later helped a friend establish Teco Inc. in Fort Wayne, where he was honored to serve as a supervisor for 30 years.
Ted was a family man and loved going on vacation. He planned the vacations as a learning tool for his children and it was always about history. For many years Ted and his family would take trips to Mantrap, Minnesota, for fishing trips, and when returning home, he was always able to fill the freezer. He and his wife and family would travel all over, and enjoyed camping and going to festivals. When he was not traveling, he and Margie enjoyed riding their motorcycles and were members of the Gold Wing Club – Chapter 12 of Fort Wayne.
Ted attended the First Reformed Church in Bluffton for many years and was also a member of the American Legion Post 111 in Bluffton. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him.
In addition to his wife, Ted is survived by two daughters, Cindy Cunningham of Bluffton, and Jackie (Dan) Hoffman of Decatur; a son, Doug Johnson of Bluffton; and three grandchildren, Jason Johnson of Craigville, Jeremy Turner of Bluffton, and Myles Hoffman of Berne.
Aside from his parents, Ted was preceded in death by two sisters, Mary Lou Baumgarner and Sally Miller.
Per Ted’s wishes, a public graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Elm Grove Cemetery in Bluffton, with military graveside rites conducted by the American Legion Post 111 in conjunction with the United States Air Force Honor Guard. Pastor Dan Eckelbarger will officiate.
Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel of Bluffton has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 111 of Bluffton or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and can be mailed directly to Goodwin – Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, 3220 East State Road 124, Bluffton, IN 46714.
Online condolences may be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com.