Obituary of Ted Lepic

Ted Lepic of North Liberty, Iowa passed away on May 16, 2026.

Ted was born September 7, 1949 in Iowa City, Iowa, the son of Jaro and Reta Lepic.

Ted’s childhood was very active. Along with his mom and dad and his two brothers Steve and Tom, the family together enjoyed fishing, hunting, mushrooming, and growing fruits and veggies at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s. He was very active in Boy Scouts and at just age 14 he was named an Eagle Scout. He followed this up with honors in the Order of the Arrow. Ted would later become an outstanding Scout Master.

Ted graduated high school in 1967 from Iowa City City High where he played football, wrestled, and track. After his high school graduation Ted made the decision to travel before attending college. He set out hitchhiking early one morning carrying just one backpack filled with a few clothes and necessities. He ended up in the Gulf of Mexico where he spent a year working on a shrimp boat. After this year he returned home to Iowa City driving his used Alfa Romero sports car. He was sure proud of his new wheels.

Ted then enrolled in college at the University of Iowa where he would graduate with honors in the Education Department. In 1973 he married Barbara McGee. Together they had two sons, Jaro and Nate. They would later divorce but moving forward worked well together raising their boys.

He loved playing golf, biking, hiking steep mountains, fishing, mowing grass, and cutting firewood with his chainsaw for the upcoming winter. Ted loved putting on his annual college football pool for nearly 200 friends and family.

He loved helping others in any way possible. Just ask and he was there. Most of all Ted loved being a career math teacher and working with students and staff in the Iowa City Community School District. After retiring Ted spent countless hours tutoring any student who needed extra help.

In 2004 Ted met Kate Kostenbader who was also a school teacher. Kate would end up being the love of Ted’s life and after 21 years of a fabulous partnership they were married in December of 2025. Ever since meeting Kate, Ted’s heart has been filled with love and joy. The wedding was one of the happiest days of Ted’s life.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents Jaro and Reta, his brother Steve (Alicia) and their two boys Danny and Andy.

He is survived by his wife Kathryn, brother Tom (Polly), sons Jaro (Talia) and Nate (Tara), and grandchildren Thea and Logan.

A time of visitation for family and friends celebrating Ted’s life will be held on Tuesday, May 19^th. from 4 to 7pm concluding with remarks by family at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service in Iowa City.  Private burial services will take place at Oakland Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Ted’s honor to the Iowa Raptor Project. To share a thought, memory or condolence please visit Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service website @ www.gayandciha.com