Theodore "Ted" Kochmaruk

Theodore “Ted” Kochmaruk, 86, of Havelock, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at his home.

Ted’s memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Havelock, officiated by Rev. James Braswell. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Ted was born on October 6, 1939, in Palmerton, Pennsylvania, to the late Steven and Stella Kochmaruk. A faithful member of St. Timothy Lutheran Church for over 20 years, Ted lived his life grounded in faith and commitment. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for 26 years, retiring with the rank of Sergeant Major, a testament to his dedication and sense of duty. Following his military retirement, Ted continued to serve his community, working for 13 years in security at Tryon Palace in New Bern.

In his younger years, Ted was a gifted athlete. During high school, he played football, wrestled, and played basketball, carrying that competitive spirit throughout his life. He enjoyed smoking a cigar and having a drink out back on his glider and was well known among family and friends for his famous ribs, homemade beef jerky, and pickles. Ted was the “Grill Master”. He cherished family time and loved watching football, enthusiastically cheering and yelling at the television, a trait his loved ones will always remember with a smile. May Ted be remembered for his strength, humor, loyalty, and the love he gave so freely.

Those left to treasure his memory are his loving wife, Betty Kay of the home; daughter, Tracy Ann Criswell of Havelock, NC and significant other, Bob Douglas of Lewistown, PA; sons, Michael Scott Shimp of Lewistown, PA, Jeffrey Lee Shimp (Christina) of Kingston, PA, and Terence “Terry” Christopher Shimp of Newport, NC; brothers, Frederick Kochmaruk of Slatington, PA and Steve Kochmaruk III of Slatington, PA; 6 grandchildren; and 8 great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his sister, Lovey Strohl.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 140 US Highway 70 W, Havelock, NC 28532 or Colonial Capital Humane Society, 1860 Old Airport Road, New Bern, NC 28562.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Cremations in Havelock, NC.