Leslie Theodore Fitzgerald

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Obituary- Fitzgerald, Leslie

Leslie Theodore "Ted" Fitzgerald
Leslie Theodore "Ted" Fitzgerald, 87, of Topeka KS died Tuesday, August 20, 2013, at Stormont Vail Hospital due to complications from pneumonia.
He was born May 23, 1926, at the Fitzgerald Farm near Valencia, KS. Ted was the seventh of nine children born to Leslie Taylor Fitzgerald and Lydia Bertha (Kresie) Fitzgerald. He attended West Union Grade School, helped work the farm while his five remaining brothers were at war, graduating from Rossville High School in 1946. He enlisted in the US Navy for 4 years on July 31, 1946, serving on the USS Atlanta as FC3 and on the USS Kankakee. He re-enlisted in 1950 serving on the USS Iowa during the Korean War, earning the United Nations Service Medal and the Korean Service Ribbon with 1 battle star. He was honorably discharged on May 18, 1954. Ted was one of six sons to serve in WW II and the Korean War. He was a proud member of the VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge, and Flint Hills Hunting and Fishing Club serving as Treasurer for many years.
He married Rita Jean Smail in 1955 and they had four sons. They divorced in 1980.Ted learned the printer's trade from Mr. Smail and he worked for the State of Kansas Printing Plant from 1969 to 1988 when he retired. Ted enjoyed working on his farm near Valencia and restoring historical items.
He was preceded in death by his parents and five brothers, Robert, John, Clair, Taylor, and Calvin, and two sons Scott and Gary.
Survivors include sons, David and his wife Debbie, John and his wife Angel of Topeka; brother, James and his wife Carolyn of Topeka; two sisters, Eleanor Vance of Woodland, CA and Betty Petersen of Concordia, MO; five grandchildren, Stefani Moore, Robyn, Carly, Johnny and Jessica Fitzgerald of Topeka.
Services will be held Monday, August 26, 2013, at 2 pm at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel followed by a wake at Skinny's Sports Pub in Gage Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association c/o Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.
Online condolences may be left at
www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.