Cover photo for Theodore "Ted" Czaplewski's Obituary
Theodore "Ted" Czaplewski Profile Photo

Theodore "Ted" Czaplewski

January 4, 1943 — September 3, 2022

Winona

Theodore "Ted" Czaplewski

Theodore John Czaplewski, 79, of Winona died unexpectedly on Saturday, September 3, 2022.

He was born January 4, 1943, in Winona to Benedict and Katherine (Dvorak) Czaplewski.  Ted graduated Cotter High School in 1961 and attended St. Mary’s college.  He served proudly in the US Army.  On November 19, 1966, he married Lois Solberg, and they celebrated 54 years of marriage before her death in November 2020.  Ted and Lois made their home in Winona and had four children.

Ted brought phone service to southeastern Minnesota for over 30 years as a telephone technician with “Ma Bell.”  Following their retirement, Ted and Lois enjoyed many winters in Clearwater, Florida.

Ted’s 79 years embodied “a life well lived.”  He was a gifted athlete, winning most games of pool he played; a skilled golfer with 2 holes in one on top of many trophies and tournament wins.  Though almost any televised sport would do, he especially loved cheering on the Yankees and the Packers.  Quick-witted, Ted was often found on a barstool surrounded by friends, laughing and sharing a joke with content this newspaper probably wouldn’t print.  He was clever and kind and never missed an occasion to send over a greeting card or a beer chip.  He loved his children and spoiled his grandchildren and grand-dogs with candy, cured meats and support.

Teddy Chops was a fixture across Winona as a member of the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka, American Legion, VFW, and Winona Athletic Club where he unofficially became a top 10 member in the last year.  He and Lois volunteered countless hours organizing golf tournaments and steak fry dinners.   No parade color guard (or parade princess) crossed the finish line without a salute and a wave from Ted.

Ted is survived by three children: Chuck (Kelly) Czaplewski of Appleton, WI; Kim Czaplewski of Winona; and Nick (Jennifer) Czaplewski of Eden Prairie, MN; grandchildren: Katherine, Jack, Rudy, Claire and Sam Czaplewski; sister: Kathy Olsen; sisters-in-law: Karen Solberg and Bonnie Czaplewski; brother-in-law: Mike Morgan; nieces: Ellie Garbina, Susan Morgan, Tina Kearney, Ann Olsen, Terri Hansen, and Amy Czaplewski; and nephews: Adam Solberg and Billy Olsen.  Ted also leaves behind many friends too numerous to name.

Ted was preceded in death by his adoring wife Lois; his parents; infant son, Anthony Czaplewski; brothers: Benedict Czaplewski, Jr., and Jim Czaplewski; brother-in-law: Bill Olsen; and sister-in-law: Sandy Morgan.  Ted mourned the loss of many close friends in his life and is undoubtedly enjoying their reunion.

Visitation will be held from 4 PM until 7 PM, with a Christian Wake Service at 6:45 PM, on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona.  Visitation will also be held from 11:30 AM until the Mass of Christian Burial at noon on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.  The Very Reverend Patrick Arens will officiate. Ted will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery, where the American Legion Leon J. Wetzel Post 9 of Winona will provide military honors.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Ted’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Theodore "Ted" Czaplewski, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Central time)

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home

376 E Sarnia St, Winona, MN 55987

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Christian Wake Service

Tuesday, September 6, 2022

Starts at 6:45 pm (Central time)

Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home

376 E Sarnia St, Winona, MN 55987

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Visitation

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

11:30am - 12:00 pm (Central time)

The Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka

625 E 4th St, Winona, MN 55987

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, September 7, 2022

Starts at 12:00 pm (Central time)

The Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka

625 E 4th St, Winona, MN 55987

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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