In Loving Memory of Papi Ted, 83, was the firstborn to Theodore Nicolai and Merle Lindeman on December 27, 1941. He was preceded in death by his parents, his younger brother James, and his beloved wife Andrea (Perno).
Growing up just outside the City of Chicago, Ted spent his younger years riding the “L” train from Oak Park, often dreaming of his next visit to Wrigley Field. He enjoyed wrestling for Oak Park, where he likely perfected his technique of gentle persuasion rather than brute force.
After graduating from Oak Park High School, Ted served in the Army, spending time in Thailand. Picture a manlier version of Radar O’Reilly, donning a Hawaiian shirt and a smile that could light up a room. Upon returning home, he made a fateful stop at a local convenience store for Coors Lights, where he met the doe-eyed brunette who would steal his heart—his future wife, Andrea. Their courtship was a whirlwind romance, blossoming quickly and culminating in marriage within less than a year. They were married in 1967, crafting a life together that resembled a sweet sitcom, crisscrossing the country with their many moves and ultimately settling in a familiar complex that felt like home.
Together, they raised two wonderful children, Jami Goza (Jason) and Teddy (Kate), while exploring the country and Mexico. One of the most memorable adventures was the infamous Guys trip of 1979, when five men and eight boys embarked on a camping trip in a Winnebago, returning more than two weeks later looking like they’d been through a comedy sketch—complete with unforgettable stories and perhaps a few questionable smells.
Ted was known for his orneriness and twinkling eyes. He was often seen enjoying a cold beer in good company. With over 40 years dedicated to the IBEW Electrical Union, primarily with MB Nickson, he eventually retired after an unexpected fall into a manhole—an incident that surely left him with some amusing stories to tell.
After Andrea bravely faced cancer until 2009, Ted embraced his new title as Papi Ted with the arrival of his first granddaughter, Addison, followed by her sister Kennedy five years later. He cherished the role of grandPapi, enjoying trips to Catalina Island, Disneyland, and Las Vegas, always finding joy in family gatherings and shared moments.
As time passed and dementia took its toll, the Silver Fox found his way to a retirement village with memory care support, finally resting at the Brookdale Memory Care facility in Valparaiso. His family is deeply grateful for the care and compassion shown to our Papi Ted in his final years. Here, he passed peacefully, his son Teddy by his side, on the morning of May 12, 2025.
While he may no longer be with us, his warmth, ornery smile, and the love he shared will forever remain in our hearts. Here’s to Papi Ted, a cherished father, grandfather, and friend, whose legacy will continue through the memories we hold dear, we encourage you to share your memories with us at https://everloved.com/life-of/theodore-nicolai/
And in lieu of flowers please consider donating to the incredible folks at the VNA Hospice NWI https://www.vnanwi.org/give.php
