Theodore L. "Ted" Kinnaman, 78, passed away Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at the Idaho Falls Community Hospital following a sudden illness.

Ted lived in Idaho Falls most of his life. He was born July 8, 1943, in Richfield, Utah, to Dale H. and June S. Kinnaman, and grew up in that area. He enjoyed fishing, skiing, hunting, singing, and storytelling, and had many adventures with his dad during his early jobs working for the Bureau of Land Management. He loved working on cars and farm equipment and could figure out and fix anything, and loved to explain how things worked to anyone. "Where there's a will, there's a way" was his favorite saying. Ted loved music, especially Johnny Cash, the Carpenters, and Lawrence Welk, and loved to sing along with all of his favorites, especially on family trips or while working around the house.

He was a brilliant mechanical engineer and built his skills into a 34-year career supporting all manner of projects at the INL site. He was especially proud of his work on the Engineering Test Reactor sodium loop project. He graduated from Jerome High School and went on to attend Idaho State University, the University of New Mexico, and earned a Master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Idaho. He enjoyed meeting and reminiscing with other members of the INL retired employee's association.

Ted married his wife Paula Eaton in Wendell, ID on Aug. 18, 1968. He is survived by his wife Paula; children Renee (Sanju) Choudhury, Rena (Joseph) Campbell, and Randy (Emily) Kinnaman; grandchildren Rani and Devvani, brothers-in-law Dan (Jacque) Eaton, Bill (Peggy) Eaton and their children, and fur babies Smokey, April and several grand-dogs.  He was preceded in death by his parents, siblings Steven "Butch" Kinnaman, Charlotte (Robert) DeLange, and sister-in-law Carol Kinnaman.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Sat., July 24, 2021, at Lincoln Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. In lieu of flowers please donate to Bonneville Humane Society, 444 N Eastern Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402. Ted's family wishes to express their gratitude for the kindness and compassion of the Idaho Falls Community Hospital's 3rd floor and ICU medial and support staff. Condolences may be sent to www.coltrinmortuary.com