Tedford John "Ted" Tycocki

     Tedford John Tycocki, born December 10, 1940, in West Lafayette, Indiana, son of the late Theodore Anthony Tycocki and Dorothy (Douglas) Johnson, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, August 19, 2023, at age 82.

      Ted graduated from Ferris State University in 1962, with a BS in Environmental Sanitation. He began his career with the Berrien County Health Department. From there he moved on to work with the city of Lansing as a building inspector. He retired after 27 years working for MSHDA as a construction manager. Growing up in Lansing, he attended Holy Cross Grade School. He graduated high school in the class of 1958 from St. Mary’s in Lansing, Michigan, where he played both varsity football, varsity basketball and was a left-handed shooter. 

      A Renaissance man in every sense of the word. He built several of his own homes, restored classic cars – with a special affinity for the 1957 Chevy. He was a motorcycle enthusiast, owned horses, was a licensed NRA safety instructor, taught bow hunting classes and engaged in the hobby of bee-keeping. He pursued all his interests with passion.... anxiously waiting every hunting season from the age of 12 when he bagged his first buck.

     Predeceased by his parents and his beloved Aunt Margaret (Byrnes) Gallagher and Uncle Jack Gallagher, his Uncle Fr. Bill Bonventure, he is survived by his special love Mary Anne Hanlon Smith, two daughters: Lisa Tycocki, Lori O’Keefe and her sons: Cade O’Keefe and Nolan Stevens, brother Jim Tycocki (Wendy), and nephews: David Tycocki (Beth) and Tim Tycocki. 

      A public graveside service will be held at Mt. Rest Cemetery (701 East Steel Street, St. Johns) on Wednesday August 23, 2023, at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Fr. Michael Williams presiding.

         In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Ferris State University in memory of Ted Tycocki (The Ferris Foundation) https://www.ferris.edu/giving/give-now/index.htm (to make a gift, select honorariums and memorial gifts). Donations for The Ferris Foundation also may be mailed to the funeral home (104 East Cass St., St. Johns, MI 48879).  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Osgood Chapel, St. Johns, Michigan.