Passed away on October 22, 2023 at the age of 66 years.
A native of East St. Louis, Illinois, Ted was the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his bachelor’s degree from SIU-Edwardsville. He later earned an MBA at Texas A&M, and a Ph.D. at University of Missouri-St. Louis.
His long career in higher education, included stints at Texas A&M, Stanford, University of Illinois at Chicago, and 25+ years at Webster University, where he served as associate vice president and dean of students, and was named dean emeritus upon his retirement. His legacy lives on in the many students and colleagues whose lives he touched in so many ways.
Ted served in a number of volunteer leadership positions with the Association of College Unions International and was recognized with a lifetime achievement award in 2018.
Away from work, Ted loved traveling, spending time with his dogs, playing golf, cheering on his beloved Cardinals and Blues, and enjoying good food and wine with friends.
Ted will be lovingly remembered by his best friend and wife of 39 years, Gail. Ted will also be fondly remembered by his nephew Jeff (Mallory), niece Laura, great-niece and his brother-in-law Steve, as well as his “little brother’ Jason, his cousins, and many dear friends. Ted’s parents, Ted, Sr. and Kathryn Hoef, preceded him in death.
Memorial visitation at Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd. 63123 will be on Saturday November 4, from 1-4pm with a memorial service starting at 4pm. Interment will be held in private.
Memorial donations in memory of Ted can be made to:
· APA (Animal Protection Association), 1705 South Hanley Road, St. Louis, MO 63144
· Ted & Gail Hoef Student Leadership Endowed Scholarship, SIUE Foundation, Campus Box 1077, SIU-Edwardsville, 30 N. Circle Drive, Edwardsville, IL 62026-1077
Livestream service at:
So sorry to learn that Ted has passed away. My sincere condolences to Gail and his family and friends.
Even though it’s been years since I last saw Ted, thinking of him brings a smile to my face. I have many good memories of us as New Student Life Advisors at SIU-E. John and I offer our deepest sympathy to Gail and hope God will hold her in His embrace at this difficult time.
Such a gentle, caring man. Our dear friend for many years, Ted has left us with a multitude of great memories and laughs. We will forever miss you, sweet friend.
So sorry to hear this, Ted was a wonderful human and special person. God bless his wife and pups along with his extended family..
I am so very sorry to learn of Ted’s passing. (I always called him Teddy.) He was such a lovely person. He grew up near my cousins, my mom taught him at St. Martin’s. He was part of my childhood memories. You have my deepest sympathy.
As a long-time friend and colleague from ACUI, I know that Ted impacted the lives of many professional colleagues. I will miss seeing him at our annual conferences.
May his memory be for a blessing.
I am so sorry. Ted “Teddy” was my next door neighbor growing up on Hallows! He was always so nice and incredibly smart…I can only imagine his wonderful service to society! I am very sorry for your loss. Bridgette Briesacher Argus
Ted, a distinguished colleague, will be missed by all of his colleagues in higher education and our student affairs’ professional organizations. His passing was much too early.
His contributions to his professional career, his commitment to creating and developing a student centered enterprise and his dedication to student advocacy was inspiring and was a remarkable contribution.
To his family we hope you all find strength and comfort in the fond memories of Ted as shall we. We take solace in knowing that our colleague’s gentle soul is resting in peace.
SO sorry to hear this. When one of your college fraternity brothers (who is younger than you) dies it is always a shock….He was a good friend.
.I met Ted in Sept 1975 as a fellow pledge in our fraternity, Ted was a very solid member of our pledge class, and Ted began an educational journey of excellence. Ted was so good at his craft-Students! Godspeed to your everlasting place! And may God bring Peace to those who loved Ted! HFF, Brother!
Oh my GOD. Gail, I am so so sorry to hear this. I went to school with Ted at Texas A&M. He was my staff advisor, and became a great friend. I know there are no words that can ease your pain right now, but I hope one day you’ll find comfort in knowing that though he may no longer be with you physically, the Love you shared will live on within you forever. Nothing can ever take that or GOD away from you. GOD Bless you and may He grant you peace and comfort 🙏 ❤️ 🙏 ❤️ 🙏
My deepest sympathy and condolences. My heart hurts for Gail and all their loved ones. Being the mother if Ted’s “little ” Jason, I can truthfully say, Ted walked along side , guided, and mentored my son. I’m not sure how many know of the incredible influence he was! Ted and Gail shaped him to the wonderful man that he is! Ted touched many, and each was left with a positive imprint. I’m forever grateful, he was brought into our lives Ted will be forever remembered ❤️
It sounds so trite, but it’s so true. Ted was one of the good ones. I was honored to call him my friend, was thrilled that he assumed the role of mentor for my son, and looked forward to the annual Christmas letter. He will always have an honored place in our family recollections.
Ted was the one who got me in to Sigma Phi Epsilon. I will never forget him!
Rest in Peace old friend…your laugh will be sorely missed.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ted over 40 years ago and have treasured his friendship though separated by thousands of miles. His and Gail’s dogs’ Christmas letters were always anticipated and enjoyed. May his memory be blessed and I’m confident the love he showed his students will carry on for generations.
Ted was an outstanding professional, leader, mentor and role model. His ACUI colleagues always looked forward to interacting with him at our annual conferences, as well as working with him on several ACUI committees. Condolences to Gail, family and friends. RIP Ted.
I never worked directly with Ted but even based on my limited interactions, Ted made a lasting impression on me. I remember Ted as calm, positive, genuine, caring and always smiling. I could tell that students and student life genuinely mattered for him. I am saddened to hear of his passing and express my sincere condolences to his family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear this. Ted was a genuinely great guy. Sorry we didn’t get him to the beach house.
Our condolences to Ted’s family and friends. Ted was a friend and colleague from his Texas A&M days (while he was an Aggie I was a longhorn). He was a colleague who epitomized professionalism and the best of colleagueship. He was always ready to serve, and did so with courage, conviction, and compassion. He will be missed.
Thoughts and prayers to Ted’s family. Rest in peace.
I am just so sorry to hear of my dear friend’s passing. Ted was my advisor at Texas A&M University when I was a student leader during my senior year. He always had an open door, quick wit and smile and provided me solid advice during my college days. For some reason he was on my mind today, I searched for him and saw his obituary. I am so very sad for Gail and his family. He was one of the good guys.
Even though some time has passed since I learned of Ted’s much too soon departure from our midst, I still feel such sadness. My heart and prayers continue to go out to Gail and Ted’s family. He helped me in my formative years as a Student Affairs professional at Texas A&M University, my first job out of grad school. Later we reconnected as he invited me to join him for the 1993 ACUI Conference in Chicago, Illinois Planning Committee. What an incredible time we had and wow, the memories made with such an incredible team of people led by this extraordinary man. I am sure that one of the greatest things I learned from Ted is that the most important thing in our work as student affairs professionals is the STUDENT. And without a doubt, he was one of the kindest and most caring individuals I ever met. He was one of kind and he is not gone because his legacy of caring and kindest lives on in all the students, staff, faculty, and friends whom he met. Rest in peace dear friend.