Theodore John Jelke

Theodore J. Jelke, age 87, of Morganton, GA, passed away Monday, March 27, 2023, in Blue Ridge, GA. Ted was born August 23, 1935, in Gary, IN to John and Helen Jelke. He was preceded in death by his father, John Jelke; mother, Helen Jelke; and sister, Martha Frew. 

 

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Jelke; son, John (Alison) Jelke; daughter, Dori Seigneur; son, Bryan (Dawn) Seigneur; daughter, Michele (Shaun) Guthrie; sister, Mary Agnes Tonello; sisters-in-laws, Donna (John) Jenkins and Sandra (Leonard) Moore; nephews Tony, JV, Tim, Alan and Lucas nieces, Anie, Jennifer, Lauren, and Addyson grandchildren, Heather, Ian, Daniel, Chance, Chase, Clint, Cacey, Cayden, and Cadee; great-grandchildren, Bella, Brenden, Kenna, Tripp, Arabella, EverLee, and Eloise; and honorary granddaughter Becca Cox;

 

Ted graduated with an electrical engineering degree from Purdue University, where he was on the football team. After working in electrical engineering at Rockwell for a time, he moved to Vermillion, SD and married his first wife, Norma (deceased) where they had, John. He then decided to go back to school and study administrative services. He received his masters from South Dakota University where he worked for several years before getting a job at Auburn University where he retired.  

 

Ted and his son John moved to Opelika, Alabama when he took the job at Auburn University.  This is where he met his wife, Carol.  Their romance was whirlwind and Carol immediately fell in love with him when he showed up at Dori’s band competition unexpectedly. They married on July 15, 1989 barely six months after their first date.

 

Ted’s devotion to his son and her children continued to amaze Carol for his lifetime.  He was at all the band concerts, football games, and plays cheering on all his children and often his nieces and nephews. He showed  his love everyday by letting them know he was truly interested in what they loved and who they were. His support encouraged his children to go after their dreams with confidence and eagerness.

 

He was also an active member of the Catholic Church, and he and Carol became devoted members of the parish of St Anna’s Catholic Church in Monroe, GA. He lead, as he did with his children, by example. He ushered and volunteered for various churches often counseling  the underprivileged and helping them manage household bills and finances.  After retirement, he volunteered at Athens Regional Medical Center where Carol worked.  

 

Above all, Ted was a servant of our Lord.  He silently showed Christ’s love through his devotion to the church, his wife, his children, and all of his family.  His presence blessed the world, and he will be missed. 

 

Memorial Service scheduled for Saturday, May 13, 2023, at 2:00 pm from the Henry-Cochran Funeral Home.

 

Cochran Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Theodore J. Jelke; you may send condolences to the family and sign the guest register at www.cochranfuneralhomes.com.