Theodore Charles Koehn

Ted was a lifelong learner and educator, an avid amateur photographer and someone who prioritized his family, faith and service to others. He was a bright spark in this world and will be missed by many. Ted was born June 18, 1944, in Lincoln, Nebraska. He spent his early years in Lincoln, and later, his family moved to St. Paul, Nebraska, where he graduated from high school in 1962. In high school, Ted found his passion for science, learning and education. He also met Carol Borzych, whom he married in 1964. They were blessed with four children.

In 1966, Ted graduated from Kearney State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later earned a master’s degree from New Mexico Highlands University. Ted began his 55-year career as an educator at North Bend Public School. In 1969, he began teaching chemistry, physics and math at David City Public Schools, where he remained until 1987. Ted also served as assistant principal and athletic director and coached various sports there, including wrestling and the 1971 championship football team.

Ted taught at Southeast Community College for a few years, and then he began teaching chemistry and physics at Lincoln East High School. In 1995, Ted met Sheryl Smith from Harlan, Iowa, at a barn dance. They joined their families and their lives in Omaha in 2000. Ted continued to teach at Lincoln East until his retirement in 2009. An educator at heart, Ted continued to teach physics, chemistry and astronomy courses at Metro Community College and the University of Nebraska at Omaha until 2024. He also presented at national conferences and published several textbooks and educational papers, including “Inexpensive Equipment for the Physics Classroom”, which is still available online.

Ted influenced the lives of many and was loved and adored by countless students who reached out to him over the years, long after they'd graduated. Several students shared comments about Mr. Koehn as an instructor that included, “he’s a tough grader, and participation matters,” “I learned so much in his class” and “he had subtle humor and great ties!” One of Ted’s greatest legacies is that he inspired two of his children and three of his grandchildren to become educators and coaches.

When he wasn't teaching or coaching, Ted was often found in a ball cap with a camera around his neck. As an amateur photographer, Ted loved capturing nature scenes and special moments with family. His 18 grandchildren and step-grandchildren knew he could be counted on to capture photos of them participating in their favorite activities. Those photos frequently made it into Ted’s annual family calendars he distributed every Christmas.

Ted’s faith was also important to him. Members of King of Kings Church in Omaha, Ted and Sheryl were active in several Bible studies and served as worship and food program volunteers.

Ted will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Sheryl Koehn; beloved children, Pam (Rick) Comte of David City, Mike (Karey) Koehn of Elmwood, Matt (Shawn) Koehn-Fairbanks of Cotesfield and Jenny Antholz of St. Paul; stepchildren, Alex (Gena) Koppold of Omaha and Emily (Justin) McBride of Elkhorn; grandchildren, Gabrielle, Alex (Lauren), Nick (Kiley), Brenden, Madelaine, Bella and Jacqueline Comte, Whitney (Tyler) Brisso, Spencer and Harrison Koehn, and Alan, Oliver and Linus Antholz; step-grandchildren, Dominic and Brooklyn Koppold, Cameron Spiegel and Hailey and Colt McBride; and great-grandchildren Jasper and Ewan Comte.

Ted is survived by brothers Bob (Marilyn) Koehn of Lincoln and Jim (Virginia) Koehn of Grand Island, and numerous close friends and extended family who will miss him dearly.

Ted is joined in rest by his parents, Hilda and Harry Koehn; sisters Bernice Anderson and JoAnn Koehn; and brother Ron Koehn.

Ted’s many family members and friends are invited to honor his well-lived life by gathering for a memorial service at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, at King of Kings Church in Omaha. Family visitation will begin at 9 a.m