Teddy "Ted" Rookstool

December 4, 1941 - November 18, 2021

Teddy “Ted” Rookstool, 79, of Grand Island passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2021. Teddy Oran Rookstool was born December 4, 1941, to Hubert (H.T.) and Mae (Coffman) Rookstool in Chariton, IA, growing up with five siblings predominantly in Custer County, NE and attended country schools before graduating from North Platte High School. Ted, at 17 years old, took over the family general store with Mae also teaching school. While the family did not have much, they had each other. Ted never strayed from his roots as a man who would give up anything of his if it meant someone else was happy. On May 2, 1966 he married Connie Barrett, the mother of his four children in North Platte. The family eventually moved to Grand Island, NE. When the marriage ended, Ted met the love of his life, Ginny O'Brien who also worked alongside Ted over the next 40 years. Ted sold sewing machines door to door early on with his stores growing to eight locations by the 1970's before focusing his efforts on the Necchi Sewing Center in downtown Grand Island. He owned and operated T & R Distributing until 2003 where he began selling SUNHEAT heaters with the help of his family. Ted employed more than 40 direct family members through the years. Many friends, and friends of his children, originally employed by Ted went on to open their own businesses where Ted unselfishly helped them start their own path, a defining characteristic anyone who knew Ted could attest to. In high school, Ted worked on and raced custom built hot rods. He enjoyed traveling, snowsking, waterskiing, flying his plane, watching Husker Football, being “Grandpa Ted" and his time with family and friends at the lake. A simple man who worked hard and wanted the best for everyone, Ted never met a stranger and will forever be missed by those fortunate enough to have spent time with such a giving person. He is survived by his children, James (Christy) Rookstool of Ft. Myers, FL, Jules (Scott Swann) Rookstool of Virginia Beach, VA, Jona Rookstool of Aurora, CO. and Josh Rookstool of Grand Island; love of his life and best friend, Ginny O'Brien of Grand Island; grandchildren, Lauren, Max, Rheya, Sienna, Drew, Jaden (Alyssa), Alyssa, Shaleesa, Jezznia and Jaelee; Ginny’s daughters that he treated as his own, Staci (Marty) Hargens of Cairo her children, Jenna and Abby, Kim (Tim) Powers and children, Sydney, Samantha, and Logan; brothers, Kent and Chuck; sisters, Meryce (Terry), Una (Ron) and Pam; along with numerous nieces and nephews and friends that became family. Ted was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers-in-law Bruce Clemmons and Raymond Lowder, and nephew Dusty Rookstool. For those lucky enough to have ever had Ted make you laugh, please join us for a Celebration of Life gathering and a time of sharing stories and memories at 2 until 4 p.m. on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, at All Faiths Funeral Home. All Faiths Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.