Theodore Gunkel

Theodore Frederick Gunkel, age 94, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 23, 2026.

Ted was born on November 14, 1931, in Madison. From boyhood through adulthood, he fished Madison’s lakes and Wisconsin’s streams, finding joy and peace on the water and forming a lifelong connection to the community and state that shaped him and he loved.

As a young man, Ted answered his country’s call, serving in the United States Army as a supply sergeant during the Korean War. He carried the sense of duty, leadership, and quiet strength with him throughout his life.

On September 22, 1956, he married Linda Louise Gough, beginning a loving and devoted partnership that would last nearly seventy years. Together they raised five children and built a home filled with love, laughter, and an enduring commitment to one another. Their marriage and family are a beautiful reflection of their love for each other.

Ted was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Business, a certified public accountant, and an entrepreneur at heart. Alongside Linda, Ted founded Madison Valuation and Associates, building a respected and trusted consulting business grounded by expertise, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to his clients. He took great pride in his work and in building a business that was meaningful. He was respected not only for his expertise and integrity, but for his genuine interest in people. Ted also lectured at the University of Wisconsin Law School, generously sharing his knowledge and experience with future professionals.

Family was the center of Ted’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who loved guiding, teaching, and encouraging those around him. He was a thoughtful and attentive listener, a steady presence, and wise problem solver. Friends and family alike turned to him for advice and reassurance, knowing he would offer both insight and unwavering support. While he enjoyed sharing stories and bringing warmth and laughter to a room, it was his thoughtfulness, strength of character, and deep care and respect for others that defined him most.

Ted loved time spent at the family’s hobby farm in Richland Center, Wisconsin, a place and experiences woven deeply into the fabric of family memories. Whether casting a line into a quiet lake or stream, walking the land at the farm, or gathering with family and friends, Ted lived with purpose and a deep appreciation for the life and family he had been given.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Ethel and Frederick Gunkel; his sisters, Elizabeth McCoy, Margaret Seehafer, Ione Carmen, his brother Frederick Gunkel; and his children, Frederick Peter Gunkel and Karen Anna Gunkel.

Ted is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his children, Thomas Franklin (Kelley) Gunkel, Sandra Louise (Hans Ulrich) Wagenpfeil, and Christine Gough (Michael) Hebbring; his daughter-in-law, Michele Bowen; and his thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. He cherished each of them and they brought him immense pride and joy.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers at Oakwood Village, Prairie Ridge’s Knoll Memory Care Unit, who lovingly cared for Ted in his final season of life, and to the team at Bristol Hospice, whose guidance and support brought comfort and dignity to his final days.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, March 7th at 2:00 PM at Oakwood Village, Prairie Ridge’s Chapel, 5565 Tancho Dr., Madison, Wisconsin.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Ted’s name to Oakwood Village, Prairie Ridge’s General Fund or Prairie Ridge’s Staff Training, Retention and Recognition Fund.

Please share your memories of Ted by posting in his guestbook.