Theodore Hubert Lethen, Jr.

Ted Lethen, age 87, passed away on November 14^th at Hoosier Village Health Center, Indianapolis, Indiana. Ted was born in Brooklyn, New York and grew up in Queens Village. He graduated from Brooklyn Tech and Lehigh University with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. Ted participated in ROTC during his college years, and upon graduation, he served in the Army at Detroit Arsenal and achieved officer ranking.

Ted met his wife, Peggy Shafer, on a blind date at Point Pleasant, New Jersey and faithfully commuted from Detroit to Cleveland every possible weekend for 2 years.  They were married in 1958 and moved to Baltimore where Ted was employed by Bethlehem Steel. After 5 years, Ted and Peggy were transferred to the Burns Harbor plant and lived in Valparaiso, Indiana. Ted succeeded in management for 40 years and retired as Superintendent of the 80” Hot Strip Mill. After living in Valparaiso for 35 years, Ted and Peggy excitedly settled in Tellico Village Tennessee for 20 years.

His retirement years were spent fulfilling his love for golf, passion for fine woodworking, and mentoring future woodworkers. Ted was a master craftsman and excelled in marquetry. He was a member of the Woodworkers Club and The Tellico Village Community Church. The most important values to Ted were family, friendships, and contributing to the community needs in any way possible.

Ted is survived by his wife Peggy and children Steve, Lori (David), Eric (Diana), and John (Jodi). He has 11 grandchildren: Riley, Carson (Anna), Christian, Nicole, Annie, Alex, Abby, Tess, Oliver, Tyler, Kylie; and 2 great-grandchildren Hudson and Beau.

Celebration of his amazing life will begin at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, November 28, 2021 in the Chapel at Hoosier Village Retirement Community, 5385 Soapberry Drive in Indianapolis. Memorial contributions can be made to Tellico Village Community Church, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or Hospice of Indianapolis.