Theodore K. Kulaga

   Heaven gained a treasure when the Angels took Dr. Theodore (Ted) Keith Kulaga.  He passed on May 13, 2024 due to complications following heart surgery.   Born on April 15, 1946 to Dr. Theodore Kuzma Kulaga and Lydia Amelia Forney Kulaga in Wooster, Ohio.  He attended Littleton High School in Littleton, Colorado, Colorado State University, and Baylor Dental School in Dallas, Texas receiving a Doctorate of Dental Science in 1971.

    While in Dallas, he met and married Gloria Ann Harris in 1970.  They had three children; Andrea (Bill) son Gregory Jackson; Rion (Kristin) son Ollin, daughter Anna; Preston (Rebecca) sons Wyatt and Ethan.  He volunteered to serve in the Navy Dental Corps at Great Lakes, Illinois with the rank of Lieutenant for two years and received extra training at both Bethesda Naval Hospital and Walter Reed Army Hospital.   He received the National Defense Service Medal, Expert Pistol and Rifle Sharp Shooter Honors.

    Following his honorable discharge from the Navy, he and Gloria moved to Livingston, MT in 1973 where he set up his dental practice at 111 W. Main.  He and several other dentists built the Dental and Medical building at 422 S. Main.   There he practiced for 50 years; created Livingston Dental Care and expanded the practice.  Eventually he sold the practice and worked several years as an associate and consultant.

    Ted was a multifaceted man.  His greatest joy was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren participate in sports and activities. His Christmas piano playing was always a treat to hear. He moved to Montana for the outdoors and to hunt and fish.  He loved golfing, flying his airplane, and riding his motorcycles. He collaborated to form The Livingston Ranger Flying Club. He was a former member of the Rotary Club and a Harris Fellow.  He served on the Livingston School Board and was instrumental in getting the Livingston Sleeping Giant Middle School built; served on the Ditch Water User Board and many other local boards.  As a member of Ducks Unlimited, he helped establish the Gardner Chapter.

    He and Gloria developed their home on the banks of the Yellowstone River from a bare pasture where they welcomed family, friends, and guests from all over the world.  The many travels with family and outings with business friends in TLA were a source of treasured memories.  He lived his life serving God and exhibited passion and care for not only his family and friends but for all his patients and staff as well.

    His life will be celebrated on May 29, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Livingston Christian Center followed by a luncheon in Fellowship Hall.  The interment with Military Honors will be held at 2:00 p.m., Mount View Cemetery.  

  In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Living Hope Church, 226 South 3^rd St, Livingston, MT 59047.