Theodore "Ted" Kupferschmid

Theodore E. Kupferschmid, 94, of Elkhart, Indiana went to be with Jesus on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Eastlake Nursing Home.

Born in 1931 at the farmhouse near Hoopeston, Illinois, Ted was the youngest of 10 children. He had no electricity or running water until his family moved into town (Rankin) when he was 16 years of age. He often told stories of the many adventures he and his siblings experienced growing up.

He was drafted into the army where he served for two years as a medic. One of those years was overseas in Germany. He used his GI bill benefit to attend and graduate from the University of Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Ornamental Horticulture.

While in college in Champaign, he met the love of his life, Joyce Ann Walter. They were married August 21, 1960, and spent their adult lives together (65 years). They lived much of their lives in Rankin, IL, with the last 28 years in Elkhart, IN. Ted and Joyce had two children, Amy and Eric.

Ted worked in a wide range of fields over his career. Some of the high points were: carpentry, keeping bees, selling insurance, professional gardening, truck driving and interior/exterior painting including schools, hospitals and churches. His interests were varied: woodworking, fishing, camping, carving, gardening, and reading. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and University of Illinois Fighting Illini.

He is survived by his beloved wife Joyce, his daughter Amy (Dale) Pepper of Plymouth, IN and their children Christian Pepper and Faith (Daniel) Will. He is also survived by his son Eric (Debbie) Kupferschmid of Osceola, IN and their children Megan Ramirez, Sarah (Aaron) Hostetler, Ryan (Carissa) Kupferschmid and Hannah Kupferschmid. He has ten great grandchildren; Lucas and Liam Ramirez; Evelyn, Peter and Nora Hostetler; and Silas, Tobias, Lemuel, Beniah and Baby Kupferschmid.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Louise (Alt) Kupferschmid and his 9 siblings, Ruth, David, Robert, Paul, Lois, Josephine, Katherine, Mary Ann, and Daniel.

Because of Ted’s love for Jesus, he served as a Sunday School teacher, deacon (in Illinois) and was active in jail ministry, mission trips and painting/handyman needs (in Indiana). He was a faithful member of Grace Bible Church, Elkhart, IN. He will be remembered as a humble Christian man who leaves behind a wonderful legacy of faith and family.

Visitation will be 11 am to 12 pm Saturday, January 24, 2026, with funeral following at 12 pm, all at Grace Bible Church, 1700 Edwardsburg Ave. Elkhart, IN. Pastor Kyle Grant will officiate. A private committal service will be held on Monday, January 26 at Fort Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI. Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home, 1531 Cobblestone Blvd., Elkhart, IN 46514 is assisting Ted’s family. Memorial donations can be given in Ted's honor to Grace Bible Church at gracebibleelkhart.com through online giving. Online condolences may be made at www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com