Theodore Fondrk

MADISON - Theodore Fondrk, also known as Dad, Brother, Teodoro, Fonzie, Teddingtons, Pook and Ted, was a beloved father, husband, brother, son, uncle and friend. He died on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022.

Ted was born at home and grew up on the East-side of Madison with his loving parents, Drew and Vicki, and his amazing big brother, Ben. From the beginning, Ted loved to compete and excelled as an athlete. He often joked about how there was no shortage of tears after a loss. In high school, Ted met the love of his life, Gabrielle Bina. After all of these years, the thing that stands out is how much they supported each other. It was amazing to see and a great reminder to us all. Gabby and Ted ping-ponged back and forth between the UW and Beloit College as they made their way through school. He earned a master’s degree at the UW while working nights.

The next stage of Ted’s life was defined by his work as a police officer. Ted worked hard in his service to the community - whether it was working patrol, going under cover, or joining his brothers on SWAT. But he didn’t find his true vocation until Gabby and he had three amazing children: Alex, Petra and Mila. Ted believed in hands-on parenting and spent countless hours playing soccer, building Legos, and helping his children become strong and independent thinkers. He was so proud of his kids and loved being a dad and uncle to all of his nieces and nephews.

So, how do we reconcile this with the fact that Ted tragically took his own life? It starts with understanding that like so many others in service, Ted suffered deeply from the things he saw and experienced. He battled unrelenting PTSD and depression, and struggled to understand a society that didn’t value the sacrifices people on the front lines make. Over time, this mental health cancer consumed him. Now, his pain is over and ours begins as we remember all of the things we loved about him.

We will remember Ted training Rod and Coletta Bina, volunteering with the Rock Steady Boxing crew with his family at Bakke Gym, playing Pop-Up Zombie Nerf wars with the kids, skating with his hockey teams, biking with loved ones, dog-whispering, passionately arguing about politics or football, mostly in a halo of laughter and light that surrounded him.

A gathering will take place at OLIN PARK, 1156 Olin-Turville Court, Madison, beginning at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022. A memorial service will follow at 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to NAMI Dane County or the Fondrk Education Fund at One Community Bank starting on Monday, Oct. 10, 2022.  He loved you all.

Theodore’s obituary may be found and online condolences made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420