Stardig

Theodore “Ted” Stardig, 85, of Oldenburg, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.

Ted was born in Fargo, N. Dakota to Bernice T. (Ova) and Buford M. Stardig on Dec. 11, 1938.

The Stardig family moved to Brainerd, Minn. in 1943 where his father worked for the railroad and Ted attended school until 1957. He was active in sports, such as snow skiing, basketball and football. Ted really enjoyed ice-skating at a lake near their home. In his junior and senior year, he joined the National Guard at Fort Ripley near Brainerd.

In 1958, Ted moved to Houston via San Antonio where he was a mechanic at Mangum Bowling Lanes. This is where he met the love of his life and best friend, Margie. They were married June of 1960.

They had two children, Brenda Stardig and Todd Stardig. Many family memories were created on family vacations- Disney World, camping, water skiing and fishing with so many good friends. Ted was always willing to pull the kids skiing until they were worn out and teach them and others to fish.

Ted was always ready to assist friends and neighbors in an emergency. There was an instance where he helped the Fayette County EMS ambulance. They were in an emergency run during Antique Weekend, when the driver injured another driver in traffic. Ted came to assist and ended up driving the patient and the injured driver to the hospital. He often closed up his business, so he could go and help fight fires in the community too. He was recognized for his outstanding deeds by the Sons of Herman. Both Ted and Margie were awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award in 1994.

Ted loved competing in fishing tournaments and BBQ cook-offs. He had trophies in both. He was well known for his award-winning BBQ. His first time competing, Ted won 9th place for his brisket out of 110 teams against the monster commercial rigs at the Sam Houston Race Track using a small trailered pit pulled behind his pickup truck. To follow that act, he placed 2nd in brisket at the Fayette County Fair.

Ted and the guys always looked forward to meeting at the annual “Beer” camp in Schulenburg after deer season. One can imagine the stories told around those campfires.

Ted worked at CRC, an oil pipeline related company for 18 years in the early 80s. The division folded and in 1985, Ted became a small business owner in Round Top for 17 years. During this time, he also drove a school bus for the Round Top-Carmine ISD for five years, which was the highlight of his life. He loved the kids and still had fond memories he cherished throughout his life. Ted had also served as president of the Round Top Auxiliary Volunteer Fire Department and started the 100 Club in the early 90s, which became a large part of RT-VFD fundraising. He enjoyed working and emceeing the fundraising auctions for a number of years until health issues slowed him down. He served leadership roles on church council at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Round Top and was a past member of the Texana Trail Riders. Ted was also an active member of St. John Lutheran of Rutersville, Sons of Herman and the Round Top Rifle Association.

He was a dedicated husband for 63 years, father and friend to many and has been guided by his faith knowing God has been with him during the last 12 years dealing with three types of cancer.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Margie; daughter, Brenda K. Stardig; son, Todd A. Stardig (Manfred Neber); aunt Beverly Stoe; sister-inlaw, Charlene Stardig; nieces: Lisa Eriksson, Joanna Thompson (Andy), Beverly Spaulding (Steven), Janice Sanders (Joe); nephews: Ted Stardig (Alicia), Robert Thompson, and Michael Sullivan (Sharon).

He was preceded in death by his father, Buford M. Stardig, mother, Bernice Stardig, brother, Robert A. Stardig, sisters: Jean Thompson and Marlene Stardig.

A visitation will be held on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, from 12 to 7 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home and Cremations in La Grange. Family will be present from 5-7 p.m. to receive friends that evening.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John Lutheran Church of Rutersville at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Burial will follow at Hill Cemetery in Round Top. Honored to serve as pallbearers: Michael Sullivan, Steven Spaulding, Donnie Wesneski, Jeff Gau, Lee Fritsch, and Eugene Hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church of Rutersville, 5743 State Highway 159, La Grange, TX 78945; Hospice Brazos Valley, 1048 N. Jefferson St., La Grange, TX 78945; Emily Fritsch Scholarship Fund, c/o Fayette Savings Bank, P.O. Box M, La Grange, TX 78945; or a charity of one’s choice.

Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals. com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations in La Grange.