Theodore A. Kaminski, 77, of Affton died Feb. 7, 2026. A Vietnam War veteran, Mr. Kaminski served in the U.S. Navy on the USS Cone. Following his military service, he had a distinguished 30-year career with the St. Louis County Police Department, retiring as a detective with a triple-digit badge number. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and served as a former exalted ruler. He was known as a family man with a great sense of humor. He loved telling jokes, sharing stories and making others laugh. He especially loved performing magic tricks for his grandchildren. He was a longtime member of the Missouri Botanical Garden and loved the St. Louis Zoo, places that reflected his love of gardening and nature. He was a devoted fan of St. Louis Cardinals Baseball and loved attending games. When he wasn’t at the ballpark, he could often be found relaxing on his patio with Viv, listening to Cardinals games on the radio and enjoying his flowers and Talavera pottery. He will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, quick wit and for the hilarious jokes and laughter he shared. Born May 28, 1948, he was the son of the late Theodore A. Kaminski Sr. and Elizabeth A. Kaminski.
He is survived by his wife: Vivian (Knauer) Kaminski; two daughters: Stephanie Kaminski (Matt) Fulsom and Jennifer Kaminski (Adam) Magnus; a stepchild: Dena (Robert) Raney; a sibling: Dennis Kaminski; a sibling-in-law: Georgia Kaminski; four grandchildren: Allison, Natalie and Charlie Deterding and Julius Furlow; and many other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by a stepchild: Billy Sprock; and a cousin: Jeannie Heck.
Visitation is scheduled from 4-9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road, in Affton. Visitation will resume from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 13, at the funeral home. Interment will be in the National Cemetery at Jefferson Barracks. Memorials may be made to The BackStoppers. Arrangements are under the direction of Kutis Affton Chapel.