Dr. Theodore L. Soistmann, Jr.
Theodore L. Soistmann, Jr. (Ted), 80, of Ephrata, PA went home to be with his Lord on December 16, 2014 at The Ephrata Manor surrounded by his loving family. He was the devoted husband of Nancy Kathleen (Clifton) Soistmann for 55 wonderful years.

A student of Woodstown High School in New Jersey and graduate of Bullis Preparatory School, Ted continued on to the Naval Academy where he was a midshipman and Seaman Apprentice. Following his service in the military, he received his bachelor’s degree from Gettysburg College, Masters from Rutgers University and EdD from the University of Tennessee.

Ted served as school superintendent of Sauquoit Valley Central School, Sauquoit, NY; Derry Township School District, Hershey, PA from 1974-1983 and retired from the Ephrata Area School District, Ephrata, PA where he was superintendent from 1983-1998. Throughout his career he was a teacher, principal and college professor with a passion for education and “youngsters.”

He was very active at Ephrata Reformed Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder. Through the years he served in the following areas: President of the Ephrata Rotary Club, President of the Golden Years Club, member of the Eberbach Committee, life member of Phi Delta Kappa and Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators, American Association of School Administrators and he was an Eagle Scout who also served as a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America.

In his spare time he enjoyed running, backpacking, traveling and camping with his family. He attended as many school music and sporting events as he possibly could to support his students and staff.

Born in Camden, NJ he was the son of the late Theodore L. Soistmann and Ruth (Paulson) Soistmann Harrington.

Surviving in addition to his wife Nancy are his children: David L. Soistmann, husband of Kirsten (Nagy) Soistmann of Yorktown, VA; Heather C. Soistmann of Edgewater, CO; Kathleen R. (Soistmann) Walter, wife of Todd Walter of Landisville, PA. He is also survived by 7 grandchildren and his sister Nancy (Soistmann) Richmond, wife of Peter Richmond, of St. Simon’s Island, GA.

A visitation will take place on Friday, December 19, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Reformed Presbyterian Church, 21 E. Locust St., Ephrata, where he was a charter member. Ted's memorial service will take place on Saturday, December 20, at 2 pm, at the church, with Rev. Thomas E. Nicholas officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. Military honors will be accorded by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Reformed Presbyterian Church, 21 East Locust Street, Ephrata, PA 17522.

Arrangements by Stradling Funeral Homes, Inc., Akron/Ephrata.