Theodore “Ted” Roger Karling, age 59, of Lawrenceburg, TN passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025
Ted was born on March 7, 1966, the second son of Louis R. Karling and Janice M. (Slaton) Karling. Ted is survived by his two daughters Emily and Corina, and their mother Delia Youell Karling. Also, his mother Janice, sister, Jen (Kevin) Wendt, Uncle, Scotty Slaton and many cousins, nieces and nephews and an insurmountable number of friendships. He was preceded in death by his Father, Louis, grandmothers, Grace and Martha, and older brother, Louis.
Ted was a National Honor Society scholar, three-sport athlete and musician. He attended his local Elementary school, Lincoln, in Maywood, IL and Walther Lutheran High School in Melrose Park, IL. His athleticism and academic record led him to attend Concordia University in Mequon, WI with many scholarships. He still holds the college Basketball records for Steals and Rebounds and played collegiate Baseball. After graduating with his bachelor’s in business administration, he began his career and most currently was Foreman at Northwestern University, Chicago campus for over 20 years and was recognized for his Service Excellence in Facilities Management. Ted was an amazing drummer and was in many bands from Chicago to Milwaukee. Most of all, his passion in life was for his daughters. Emily and Corina. His daughters reflect how he was a doting father, a wonderful, hilarious, loving human being. He taught them so many things like how important it was to always apologize for your part in a conflict. That early was on time and on time was late. Always treating others with kindness, even if they were jerks. He encouraged them when they were afraid or insecure. Always made them feel beautiful and strong and always ended conversations with “I love you”. He loved animals, nature and music. Even on his darkest days, he was thinking of his family, connecting with them with funny memes, songs and videos to lighten the mood. He will live on in every song he loved, every colorful fall leaf that twirls to the ground, and every giant slow-moving turtle we come across in nature. He will live on in the lessons he taught our family and in the outpour of love he gave each one of us. He will live on in all our hearts and minds.
Memorial and Sympathy cards may be sent to the family.
Janice Karling | 413 Kirk St. | Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
