Theodore L. Minnick

Teddy Minnick was a fun-loving man who loved nothing more than bringing smiles and laughter to brighten the days of others. A hard working man who enjoyed the simple pleasures in life, in his family he found his greatest joy. Teddy always placed the needs of others before himself, and he was one of those men who regularly offered a helping hand. For those who knew him best, Teddy will be deeply missed and treasured in the hearts of many.

By 1947, the end of World War II continued to find families caught in a housing shortage. With the baby boom well on its way, newly developed suburban neighborhoods were being built, and in high demand. The post war economy boomed as the need for consumer goods rose, and manufacturing jobs were plentiful. Through these changing times in Fort Wayne, Indiana, the cold days of impending winter gave Theodore J. Jr. and Magdalena A. (Vorich) Minnick much to be thankful for on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 1947 when they welcomed the birth of their bundle of baby boy, Theodore L. Teddy Minnick into their arms.

Born and raised in Fort Wayne alongside his sisters, Rosemarie and Sharon, and brothers, Richard and Robert, Teddy grew up enjoying all that the life of a young boy had to offer. He enjoyed playing baseball and soccer, and during his youth he was known to his friends as, Bugs. Teddy found his share of mischief and could be quite ornery at times, but all in jest, he just liked to tease and have a good time. He attended the area schools and after graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1966, Teddy joined the U.S. Army.

Following his honorable discharge from the service, Teddy began working at General Electric, but in time he found his true niche. For over 36 years, Teddy was a truck driver. He drove for Harrison House, Graves Trucking, and Kroger for over 20 years before driving for Preston until eventually retiring from USF Holland in 2008. In fact, Teddy even achieved the Million Safe Miles award during his career.

Although work was a large part of Teddys life, he found true love when he met Mary A. Carpenter at the Locker Room in Columbia City where she worked as a waitress. Quite taken with Mary, Teddy was very persistent, asking her out time and time again. After finally conceding into going out with him, Mary wasnt interested in dating him again, but with Teddys unwavering persistence, she did so a few months later. Over the next two years, Teddy won Marys heart and they were married on March 12, 1981 in Columbia City.

Before long, Teddy and Mary welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their lives with the birth of their only child, Lori Leeanne. Becoming a father brought Teddy the greatest joy and she quickly became daddys girl. In his eyes, Teddys daughter could do no wrong. Even though it took some time, Mary finally figured out that whenever Lori acted up or got into trouble, Teddy only pretended to discipline her, and Lori went right along with it! Ever proud of his daughter and anything she was involved in, Teddy was sure he was there for her. Whether a local game or a state game, he made sure nothing got in his way to watch his baby girl. He usually remained silent at her games as he didnt want to embarrass his girl in front of her teammates and coaches, but he held fast, ever determined to remain positive in all that she did, even when she made a mistake or a bad call was made against her.

While his little girl was growing up, Teddy was the one who taught her how to swim. As a family they enjoyed many weekends swimming, boating, waterskiing and tubing. They loved taking trips down to Kings Island, and then on to visit Marys family in Hazard, Kentucky. Camping was also a favorite part of their family life where treasured times were always shared and enjoyed. For the last 19 years, Teddy and Mary loved their roles as campground hosts. Teddy absolutely loved being at Chain O Lakes camping and all the area had to offer. After retiring from trucking, he served as a security officer there where Teddy and his family loved to camp.

Teddy enjoyed baking his famous coconut cream pies and chocolate dream pies which were everyones favorite. Hed share with his family members and often take them to his friends at the campground which will surely be missed. Teddy loved cooking over an open campfire making savory meals. Along with camping, he enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting and snowmobiling. An avid Chicago Bears fan, Teddy also liked watching Indiana University basketball. Over the years Teddy had been a past member of the Eagles and Teamsters Local 414 and bowled on their leagues.

When grandchildren came into Teddys life, he never knew how much love his heart could hold. Just like their mother before them, Teddy was just as loving and supportive of Maddie and Mason. The apples of his eye, he savored the benefits of spoiling them and letting them get away with things he would never have dreamed letting his own daughter get away with!

Teddy was always a very active man who enjoyed the love of family and good friends by his side. Diagnosed at the end of December with lung cancer, Teddy made the most of his days surrounded by those he loved. His smile and larger than life, big heart will be truly missed!

More than anything, family meant everything to Teddy. He was known for his fun-loving nature and he enjoyed joking around. He was certainly the type of guy who enjoyed giving someone a hard time. It made Teddys heart glad to bring smiles to the faces of others, and putting others before himself was simply a part of Teddys kind and giving spirit. Gone but never to be forgotten, his heart lives on in the lives of those he leaves behind and his smile will never be forgotten.

Theodore Teddy Minnick, 68, of Columbia City, Indiana, passed away at 9:23 p.m. Sunday, February 28, 2016 at Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne. Survivors include his loving wife of 34 years, Mary Minnick; daughter, Lori Leeanne Straub of Columbia City; sister, Sharon (Ron) Walden of West Palm Beach, FL; brothers, Richard Minnick of Gas City and Robert (Georgeann) Minnick of Fort Wayne; grandchildren, Maddie and Mason Straub; son-in-law, Adam Straub of Columbia City; six nieces, Shelly David, Jennifer Recht Crail, Angie Pace, Robin Carender, Sara Chrisman and Megan Minnick; and four nephews, Scott Walden, Greg Walden, Justin Carpenter and Jeff Minnick. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Rosemarie Recht.

Visitation will be 2-8 p.m. Thursday, March 3, 2016 at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Lung Cancer Alliance. To share a favorite memory or photo of Teddy, sign his online guest book or to send his family online condolences, please visit www.demoneygrimes.com .