Theodore P. Carkulis passed away March 9th 2012, 12 days short of his Ninety eighth birthday.
He was born March 21, 1914 in Great Falls Montana to Peter and Irene Carkulis. The family moved to Butte and lived in the Columbia Gardens area throughout Ted’s younger years.
He was always proud to say he had carried papers to the residents of the area through his High School years. He graduated from the University of Montana in 1937 with a degree in Business. In 1937 he married Ellen (Nell) Schara and in 1940 his son Peter was born. After graduation from the U of M he immediately went to work for the Public Welfare Office in Butte. Ted transferred to Helena where he remained for his entire career. In 1970 Governor Tomas Judge appointed Ted as Director of The Department of Social and Rehabilitative Services. He received a second appointment in 1974 and remained there until he retired in 1979 culminating forty two years of service. After his retirement he and Nell traveled the country enjoying all America had to see. Ted was a lifetime member of B. O. E. Helena, an avid Democrat, bowler and Atlanta Braves fan.
He was preceded in death by his wife Nell, Son Peter, parents Peter and, Irene. Brother Gus, and his Sister, Vicki Markellis. He is survived by his brother, Tom, numerous grand-children and great-grand-children, nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 12 noon to 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 16, 2012 at Retz Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Retz Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A special thanks to Cherrie Albrecht and All the staff at Rosetta House for the wonderful care they have given Ted over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers please send a donation in Ted’s name to the Friendship Center 1430 N. Sanders Helena, Montana 59601 or God’s Love 533 N. Main Street Helena, Montana 59601.
To offer a condolence or share a memory of Ted, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com.
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Irene Carkulis Hamilton says
Uncle Ted was my dads brother, Gust, and I really admired my uncle, he was a wonderful man, whom I loved. He was also the one who I had to walk me down my wedding aisle when my father was very sick and incapable at the time. Uncle Ted and Aunt Nel would always come down to Pocatello and stop and see my family and I whenever they would pass on through from vacations etc. They stopped and when they stayed here, called us up for dinner somewheres, so that we all could always be together. Uncle Ted was very close to my father, Gust, in growing up , and later in life as well. This is why I felt very close to Ted as well. He was a very nice person, and I already feel the loss. My mother, Angie, My sister, Falitsa, and I really thought he was a wonderful person. I hope you rest in peace now, and be with Nell finally. I love you Uncle Ted, Irene
Marilyn Kelly-Clark says
My Dad, Dan Kelly, was Bureau Chief of the Aging Services Bureau when Ted was the Administrator. As I recall, Dad thought highly of Ted, a fellow Democrat raised in Butte! My Dad retired the year before Ted due to ill health and unfortunately passed twenty-eight years ago. I’m sure he’ll welcome Ted to the Butte/Montana side of heaven. May Ted rest in peace!
Maggie Bullock says
When Ted was the SRS Director, I worked with him and his Administrators and Bureau Chiefs Dan Kelly and Margaret Stuart among them. What fond memories I have of all of them….hard workers, trail blazers. We also had much fun working together. They must be together on the other side rejoicing.
My sincerest sympathy to Ted’s family.
Maggie Bullock