Ernest Theodore “Ted” Lams II, 82, died on April 13, 2026. Born to Rev. Edgar and Dorcas Lams (nee Gade), of Christ Lutheran Church, Oak Park, Ted was a gifted and talented musician who served as church organist. He taught school for 50 years, 40 of those serving as school principal, teacher, bus driver, and coach. He mentored many of his peers and students. He believed God’s greatest gift to him was his family. He will be missed by all.
Ted was the husband of Nancy Lams (nee Mueller); the father of Todd (Carolyn) Lams, Natalie (George) Lazarz, and Erich (Jenny) Lams; the grandfather of Erica (Eric) Davis, Julia (Alex) Hermansen, Steven (Brittany) Lams, Ashley (Jacob) Lutsch, Morgan, Jacob, Amanda, and Matthew Lams, and Valerie Kleier; great-grandfather of Wyatt Davis, Theo Hermansen, and Tate Davis; brother of John (Lenore) Lams, Fred (Becky) Lams, and Julie (Peter) Preus; uncle of many nieces and nephews; and cousin of many.
Lying in State took place on April 20 and April 21 until the 11 a.m. service at St. Paul Lutheran Church, corner of Park and Grant, Brookfield. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Forest Park.
Memorials appreciated to St. Paul Lutheran Church & School, 9035 Grant Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513.
Arrangements were handled by Hitzeman Funeral Home Ltd., 9445 31st Street, Brookfield, IL 60513.