Theodore Kenneth Bundenthal

Theodore Kenneth Bundenthal, age 89, of Decatur, died Monday, April 1, 2019 at home. Born in Lansing, Michigan, Dr. Bundenthal was a modern Renaissance man and citizen of the world. After a childhood in St. Louis and rural Augusta, Missouri, Theodore attended preparatory school at St. Paul’s in Concordia, Missouri, followed by B.A. and Bachelor’s of Divinity degrees from Concordia College. He furthered his extensive education with a Master’s degree in English Literature from Washington University in St. Louis while dual enrolled for a Master’s in Divinity from Concordia Seminary. He completed his PhD in Theology and in English Literature from the University of Nebraska. A linguist, theologian, professor, educator, tour facilitator, missionary and intelligence specialist, Dr. Bundenthal traveled to, lived, and studied in many locales around the globe, including China, Israel, Ecuador, Pakistan and Egypt. Closer to home, he was a Missouri Synod Lutheran minister and led churches across the United States. After he received his PhD he held positions in academia as a professor and Academic Dean at various colleges and universities. He had an active and distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force where he achieved the rank of Colonel before retirement. Theodore was deeply involved in Rotary International. He also served as community arts liaison in several different cities, where he was instrumental in bringing international orchestras, ballets, plays, and concerts to his communities. Inarguably, Theodore’s best accomplishment was marrying his wife of nearly 60 years, Eva May Dobbins, who preceded him in death in 2011. Dr. Bundenthal is survived by his five children: Cynthia McKeough of Commerce Township, MI, Christina and Charles Hatch, and Theodore Bundenthal Jr. of Irvine, CA, Tabitha and Chris Rautenstrauch of Atlanta, GA, and Thomas and Stephanie Bundenthal of Fairfield, CA. He is also survived by six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. A celebration of life will be held in Atlanta later this year. In lieu of flowers, Theodore would be honored if you smell the flowers, read, exercise and take advantage of every moment God gives you.