Theodore Allen Tapanila

Theodore Allen Tapanila, 82, of Red Wing, died Friday, August 7, 2026 at Deer Crest in Red Wing.

He was born August 23, 1943 in Chicago, Illinois to Theodore and Catherine (Kivi) Tapanila. He graduated from Anoka High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Navy for 10 years as a nuclear submarine operator before he was honorably discharged. He moved to Red Wing where he began a 35 year career with NSP. He started as a nuclear plant operator and retired as an electrical engineer. He married Judy De Mars in 1963 and the couple had three children. They later divorced. He later married Judy Hong. They were married 25 years before divorcing.

Ted was a member of the VFW Post 1218, the Leo C. Peterson American Legion, Post 54, and the Elks BPOE 845. In his younger years, he played on local softball teams and enjoyed bowling.

He enjoyed summering on the North Shore and he frequented a family lake home in Detroit Lakes where he enjoyed fishing and relaxing on the water. He was also a talented woodworker and enjoyed building things.

While he was a man of few words, he was proud of his Finnish heritage and his time in the U.S. Navy.

Ted is survived by his children, Patricia (Layton) Badger of Mantorville, Minn., Michael Tapanila of Chisago, Minn. and Brian (Sarah) Tapanila of Red Wing; 8 grandchildren, Samantha Badger, Grant (Joyce) Badger, and Megan Badger, Abby Tapanila, Emily Tapanila, and Tanner Tapanila, Brayden Tapanila and Catelynn Tapanila.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life will be 3 – 7 p.m., Thursday, August 27, 2026 at the Leo C. Peterson American Legion, Post 54 with military honors at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Leo C. Peterson American Legion or the BPOE 845 Elks Club. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com