Theodore E. Hischke

Theodore E. "Ted" Hischke was born at Horton, Kansas, on June 16, 1939. He passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at home after a valiant fight with prostate cancer as a result of exposure to Agent Orange.

He attended school at Carson Grade School and Fairview Grade School, graduating from Fairview High School in 1957. Ted attended Highland Junior College and completed his degree in history at Washburn University in 1963, where he was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon.

On November 28, 1964, he married Sara Senne at St. John's Lutheran Church in Topeka. To this marriage their daughter Amy and son Martin were born.

Ted was instilled with a strong work ethic helping on his parents' farm and later for a neighboring farmer and at Wilde Tool. Ted's work career started with Goodyear in 1964, but it was interrupted by a tour of duty in Vietnam. He returned home and to Goodyear, leaving there to work at the Federal Home Loan Bank where he retired as facilities manager in 2003. He was privileged to continue to work part-time at FHLBank until 2017.

Ted was active in the Kansas National Guard joining when he was 17 years old. His unit was called to active duty in 1968. He spent time in training at Fort Carson, Colorado, and was deployed to Vietnam from March, 1969, to November, 1969. He retired in 1985, with the rank of Major. Ted was also worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and was a volunteer for the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves, and Meals on Wheels.

Ted was an avid snow skier and an enthusiastic member of Topeka Ski Club for 25 years. He especially loved skiing with his grandchildren. He stayed active running, biking, and playing softball with friends. His bicycling included completing the Bike Across Kansas (BAK) 7 times and many years of the MS150. Ted and Sara were strong supporters of Topeka High School booster club and Washburn University. He was also a big fan of the KC Royals and KU basketball. Ted enjoyed mowing and taking care of yards for many people.
Ted was always willing to lend a hand whenever someone needed help of any kind. A joy was going to his farm in Brown County, checking on the crops and maybe catching a ride on the tractor or combine.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore and Irene Hischke, sisters, Jayne Sweezey and Betty Gerhardt and son-in-law Chris Birch.

Survivors are his wife of 53 years, Sara, daughter Amy Birch and son, Martin Hischke both of Topeka. He is also survived by three much loved grandchildren, Bodie Hischke and Elizabeth and Everett Birch. Surviving siblings are Wanda (Rex) Owens, Fred (Della) Hischke, and Pam Schilling and his brother-in-law Scott Senne. Many nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

The family wishes to send a huge THANK YOU to Great Lakes Caring Hospice for the excellent care and friendship you provided.

Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at St. John's Lutheran Church, 901 SW Fillmore, Topeka, KS.

Memorial contributions may be made to Meals on Wheels, 2701 SW East Circle Drive South Suite 2, Topeka, KS 66606 or Great Lakes Caring Hospice, 3715 SW 29th St Ste 100, Topeka, KS 66614.

Penwell-Gabel Mid-Town Chapel is assisting with arrangements.

To share a memory of Ted or leave a message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.