----Sources: Sheboygan Press (Sheboygan, Wis.) 11 May 2004

Kafka, Theodore "Ted" (1 Sept. 1910 - 9 May 2004)

WITHEE - Theodore "Ted" Kafka, 93, Withee, died Sunday, May 9, 2004, in the Palliative Care Unit of Saint Joseph's Hospital, Marshfield.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, Owen.

Visitation will be at 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Maurina Funeral Home, Owen, with a 7 p.m. rosary.

----Sources: Herald Times Reporter (Manitowoc, Wis.) 12 May 2004

Theodore Kafka

WITHEE - Theodore "Ted" Kafka, 93, Withee, died Sunday, May 9, 2004, at Saint Joseph's Hospital Palliative Care in Marshfield.

Funeral services for Ted will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2004, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Owen. Rev. Eric Linzmaier will celebrate the Mass of Christian burial and interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Withee will full military rites conducted by the Owen American Legion. Pallbearers will be Dr. Art Jarvis, Charles Klapatauskas, Claire Milliren, Tom Miller, George Woller and Henry Mauel.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at Maurina Funeral Home in Owen, with a combined parish and Knights of Columbus rosary at 7 p.m.

Theodore Kafka was born Sept. 1, 1910, in Antigo, the son of Steven and Frances (Cherek) Kafka. Ted graduated from Antigo High School in 1930 and received a Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Norbert's College, DePere, in 1938. He received a Master of Science degree from the University of South Dakota in 1960.

He began his teaching career in 1938 in West DePere, went on to Merrill, and then spent the next 28 years teaching science and other subjects in addition to coaching football for the Owen-Withee school system.

Ted served in the United States Army in the Pacific Theatre during World War II from September 1942 to December 1946. After his return, he was a member of the American Legion for more than 50 years.

He was a parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and Holy Name Men's Society and a Third Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Active in civic affairs, Ted served on the Withee Lion's Club serving in multiple capacities including president and was also honored as Lion of the Year. In his spare time, he was a member of the Meadowview Country Club, where he enjoyed golf and playing cards. Fishing, hunting and gardening were also great pleasures in his life.

On Feb. 14, 1944, Ted and Caroline Mullen were united in marriage. Caroline survives him, along with two sons, Patrick (Ellen) Kafka of Mosinee and Robert Kafka of Milwaukee. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Eric, Mollie and Joseph Kafka; his brother, Phillip (Blanche) Kafka of Antigo and a sister-in-law, Louine (John) Kafka of Clintonville.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Regina Kafka and Gertrude Kafka; six brothers, Edward, Joe, Florian, Ben, John and Victor Kafka; and a son, Edward, in infancy.