Theodore L. Sipes, 69, of Bowling Green, waited for Jesus in his home and passed away peacefully on April
16, 2014, surrounded by his loving family.
Ted was a devout Christian man who faithfully served God.
He was born in April 24, 1944, in Galion, Ohio, to Clarence and Juanita (Ness) Sipes. They preceded him
in death along with his brother, Barry, and sister, Patricia.
Ted married the love of his life Josephine (Jo) M. (Bunde) on February 11, 1967, in Waterville, Ohio.
They have one daughter, Lisa Lynn. Ted is survived by his beloved wife and daughter.
Ted attended Galion Public Schools and served in the Air Force before beginning his college studies. He
received his Bachelor’s degree in Education (Industrial Technology and Speech Education) and his
Master’s degree in Education (Special Education) from Bowling Green State University. Ted also received
his Ed.D. from Wayne State University in May of 1974.
He enjoyed teaching at both the high school and college level in Ohio, Michigan, and Florida. Ted’s
teaching career included teaching high school in Holland, Ohio; Tontogany, Ohio; and Dearborn Heights,
Michigan. Ted also taught at Florida International University in Miami, Florida, and was Assistant
Professor in the College of Technology at Bowling Green State University.
Professionally, he was associated with The Association for Career and Technical Education, Ohio
Vocational Association, Trade and Industrial Division of OVA-LIFE, Ohio Association of
Vocational/Special Needs Personnel, and Northwest Ohio Technology Association. Ted was also
professionally active in North Central Association Evaluator, McComb Local Schools; Curriculum
Development Committee, Findlay City Schools; Curriculum Council, Findlay City Schools; Editor,
Millstream Newsletter; Millstream Public Relations Committee; and Gender Equity System Contact.
Ted was also a member of the Gideon’s International.
Woodworking was a passion of Ted, both as a teacher and as a hobby. In Michigan he had two state grand
award winning students. Ted made beautiful furniture for his home and loved entering items in the Wood
County Fair. Upon retiring after 35 years as a teacher, Ted wore the sacred orange apron of Home Depot,
where his fondness for woodworking continued. He proudly greeted and assisted friends and customers who
came through the doors of Home Depot until he retired in 2013.
Ted believed in giving back to his community, hence served on many committees. Some of his involvement
included: The ARC of Wood County; The Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities; Wood County
Special Olympics Advisory Board; Wood County Fair; The Wood Lane Foundation Board; The Wood Lane
Residential Properties Board; Wood Lane HUD Board; Wood Lane Industries Board; Wood Lane Elder Haus
Board; Nancy Ullum Garden Apartment Board; The Community Employment Services Advisory Board; Hancock
County Committee for Independent Housing; Northwest Buckeye Council of Better Investing; American Red
Cross; Ohio Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation; and Life Connections of Ohio.
Ted was appointed by Bob Latta, United States Representative for Ohio’s 5th Congressional District, to
serve as a commissioner on the Ohio Legal Rights Commission in Columbus, Ohio.
Although Ted struggled with health issues, he always remained positive. He had a delightful sense of
humor and a twinkle in his eyes. Ted loved people. He was always ready to help others. Ted also loved
music and singing and was an active member of the Church Choir. His bass voice blended beautifully in
chorus and as a soloist. Ted especially loved having a mustang convertible at hand in the garage.
His first date with Jo was a summer evening that won her heart. As a family man, Ted relished spending
time with his wife, Jo, and daughter, Lisa.
The family would like to thank the generous donors who gave Ted two kidneys to extend his life. We
encourage others to sign up to be organ or tissue donors via Life Connections of Ohio or license bureau.
We would like to offer a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the University of Toledo Medical
Center (especially 4th floor A-B) for their gentle care. We also thank the Gentiva Hospice for their
compassion and kindness.
Visitation will be on Friday April 18, 2014 from 4 to 8 p.m. in the DECK-HANNEMAN FUNERAL HOME &
CREMATORY, 1460 W. Wooster St., P.O Box 648, Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Ted’s funeral service will be on Saturday April 19, 2014 at 10 a.m. in the First United Methodist Church
1506 E. Wooster St., Bowling Green, Ohio 43402.
Interment will follow in the Oak Grove Cemetery with Military Honors.
Memorial donations may be made to the Wood County Special Olympics, 1921 E. Gypsy Lane Road, Bowling
Green, OH 43402.
Online condolences as well as fond memories may be sent to the Sipes family by visiting www.hannemanfh.com.
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