Theodore Villinski

Theodore J. Villinski, 76, of Fayetteville died August 31, 2018. He was born in Iowa and raised in Chicago, son of Bernard and Mary (Greenwood) Villinski. He was educated in Christian Brothers schools, earned his BA from St. Mary's University (Winona, Minn.), and received his Masters from the University of Iowa. Ted worked for the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Commerce as a commissioned Foreign Service Officer for 24 years, from 1971 until he retired from the Senior Executive Service. He considered the opportunities his career brought him and his family in six countries to be among the greatest successes of his life. Prior to his foreign service career, he taught high school civics and economics; afterwards, he worked for Sinar Mas in Jakarta, Indonesia and Lockheed Martin in Singapore. Ted was a greeter and usher at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Fayetteville. He was a longtime volunteer with the CEO food pantry, which he recently began co-coordinating with his wife. Ted's pastimes included helping people, making clever puns, eating Asian cuisine (Thai, Indian, and Dim Sum), and a dogged but ultimately futile effort to perfect his golf swing. He loved making woodworking projects with, and for, his grandchildren. He had a wonderful sense of humor, deep faith, and an abiding love for his family. Ted leaves his beloved wife Sandi; his daughter Michele Villinski (Scott Parsons) of Greencastle, Ind.; son Jeff Villinski (Jennifer) of Baku, Azerbaijan; daughter Tracy Villinski (Wendy Harbour) of Roseville, Minn.; and son Scott Villinski (Julia) of Pleasant Grove, Utah. He also leaves nine grandchildren who he adored, his sister Agnesanne Martin of Euless, Texas, and a multitude of dear friends. He was predeceased by two brothers, Paul and Eugene. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on September 7, 2018 at 11am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Fayetteville. It will be preceded by a visitation at 10am and a rosary at 10:30am. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ted's name can be made to St. Joseph Catholic School (1722 N. Starr Dr., Fayetteville, 72701) or Cooperative Emergency Outreach (CEO) (P.O. Box 3631, Fayetteville, 72702). Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home, Fayetteville.