Theodore “Ted” J. Olmsted, 75, passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, leaving behind a family who loved him beyond measure and a lifetime of memories that will continue to make them laugh, smile, and probably shake their heads for years to come.
Ted was a dedicated family man, an incredibly hard worker, and, to those who loved him most, truly a hero.
Hard work was simply part of who Ted was. He started working at a paper mill at a young age and cut meat on the side before eventually heading west, where he began a long career in the oilfield. His work helped provide a beautiful life for the family he so deeply adored. Later, Ted returned home to Michigan and attempted retirement – or at least his version of it. Never one to sit still for long, he found himself back behind the meat counter working as a butcher before eventually making his way back west to Wyoming.
Of all the things Ted accomplished during his life, however, none compared to the family he built alongside the love of his life, Denise.
Ted and Denise shared 56 years of marriage and a love that remained at the center of his world. Together, they built a life filled with hard work, laughter, adventure, and an incredibly close family. Denise was truly the light of Ted’s life, and the love they shared was evident to everyone fortunate enough to witness it.
Ted was the immensely proud father of Andrea Walton (Matthew) and Aaron Olmsted (Kelly), but anyone who knew him knew that becoming a grandpa may have been his greatest accomplishment of all.
His five grandchildren – Samantha McCulley (Andy), Emily Leinen (Ridge), Sidney Olmsted, his namesake Theodore J. Olmsted, and Audrey Olmsted – brought immeasurable pride and happiness to his life. Then came another title that just might have been his favorite: “Old Papa.”
His two great-grandboys, Stetson and Bennett McCulley, brought an entirely new kind of joy to his life. Being their Old Papa and simply being a grandpa was truly one of the greatest lights of his life.
Ted loved his family fiercely, but he never took life too seriously. He was funny, ornery, and always kept everyone on their toes. He loved to gamble and was known to joke about “gambling away the inheritance.” His favorite store may very well have been the grocery store, and he never met a stranger. Wherever Ted went, there was likely someone to talk to, a story to tell, or a joke to make.
He loved time spent at the cabin, where some of the family’s most treasured memories were made. Whether he was surrounded by everyone he loved or simply enjoying a quiet moment, Ted understood that the best parts of life weren’t things -they were the people beside you and the memories you made together.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents and both of his brothers.
He leaves behind a family forever changed by having loved him and by having been loved so deeply in return. His strength, humor, work ethic, and devotion to his family will live on through the generations that follow him.
In accordance with Ted’s wishes, there will be no formal services. Instead, those who knew and loved him are encouraged to celebrate his life in a way he would appreciate: stick a dollar in a slot machine, do something a little wild and crazy, spend time with the people you love, and hold tightly to your favorite memories of Ted.
We will forever miss you – as a husband, Dad, Papa, Ted, and Old Papa.
And while 75 years could never have been enough, we are endlessly grateful for every one of them.
Your love, your laughter, and your strength will stay with us always
