Colonel Theodore W. Hummel
Colonel Theodore W. Hummel, age 91, of Sanford, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at the Brook of Big Rapids surrounded by family.
Theodore was born on September 7, 1934, in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Helen (Bell) Hummel. Known to family and friends simply as Ted, he was raised in Shepherd, where he developed the work ethic, humility, and love of community that would define his life.
Ted graduated as the salutatorian of the Shepherd High School Class of 1952 before attending Central Michigan University. Upon graduation, he accepted a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, beginning a distinguished military career that would span more than 30 years.
During his remarkable Army career, Colonel Hummel served his country throughout the United States and around the world, including assignments in Alaska, Turkey, Vietnam, and Germany. He completed Airborne training at Fort Bragg, served with the 1st Infantry Division during the Vietnam War, attended the Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, and held numerous leadership and command positions at the Pentagon, Fort Hood, Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Fort Monroe. He retired from the United States Army as a Colonel on May 31, 1988, following more than three decades of honorable and dedicated service.
Although his military career took him across the globe, Ted never forgot his roots. He often shared fond memories of growing up in Shepherd—skiing along the Salt River, delivering the Saginaw News, helping at the Shepherd Farm Produce grain elevator, learning to drive trucks, and working alongside his father. Those early experiences helped shape the character and leadership that became hallmarks of his life.
Following his retirement, Ted remained active in his faith and community. He was proud to have helped build Coleman Faith United Methodist Church, where his funeral service will be held—a fitting place to celebrate a life devoted to faith, family, and service.
Ted was also an accomplished distance runner. He completed 21 marathons, including seven Boston Marathons, and recorded an impressive personal-best marathon time of 2 hours and 57 minutes. He treasured time spent outdoors and especially looked forward to annual fishing trips to Cedarville and Caribou Lake with his lifelong friend, Dick. Some of his happiest memories were made in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly at the Hot Dog Lodge in Marquette, where family and friends gathered to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors and one another’s company.
Whether leading soldiers, running marathons, helping build his church, or spending time with family and friends in northern Michigan, Ted lived a life defined by faith, perseverance, humility, and service. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.
Ted is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; his children, Lynn (Paul) Ratzman of Germantown, Wisconsin, Christina (Robert) Grenier of Florida, Rick (Laurie) Foos of Big Rapids, Cindy (Glen) Matz of St. Joseph, and Scott (Janet) Foos of Big Rapids; 14 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; his sisters, Myra (Dick) Moore of Sanford and Cathy (John) Boynton of South Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Helen Hummel, and his sister, Suzanne Riley.
A funeral service honoring Ted’s life will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at Coleman Faith United Methodist Church, with Paul Caszatt officiating. Visitation will take place at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of service.
The family will also receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Berry Funeral Home in Shepherd.
Interment will take place at Salt River Cemetery in Shepherd.
Memorial contributions may be made in Ted’s honor to Coleman Faith United Methodist Church.
