Theodorus Elliot Detweiler
Theodorus “Theo” Elliot Detweiler died courageously in his home after three years of living with cancer on the evening of June 22, 2025. He was surrounded by a loving family that cared for him deeply.
Theo was born on Sept. 22, 2002. Born two months prematurely, his resilience was formed early, as he spent much of his first four months at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital in Cleveland.
Theo was a passionate learner from an early age. He read more books through elementary school than many people read through college. His intelligence seemed effortless, but he dedicated the time and focused diligently and generously and shared his abilities through tutoring. When he graduated from Chardon High School in 2021, he already had two years of college credits from attending Hiram College. Theo went on to attend John Carroll University with a major in forensic psychology.
Outside of school, Theo loved spending time connecting with friends. He was inspired by the arts. He was obsessed with musicals, starting with “Hamilton,” and his passions were infectious to those around him. He found inspirational depth in the works of Vincent van Gogh, traveling to Europe in 2023 to see his famous paintings and where Van Gogh spent his time.
If Theo was interested in something, he pursued it with zeal. When Theo became enchanted by the honeybee, he quickly turned that curiosity into becoming a beekeeper.
Theo’s memory lovingly lives on with his parents, Heather and Greg; siblings, Scarlet, Kie (twin) and Hazel. He was the cherished grandchild of Bill and Ruth Detweiler and Don Kovach. Among his aunts and uncles are Christie Kovach, Mark and Cheryl Kovach, Jeff Detweiler, Shawn and Melissa Kovach, Jennifer Kovach, Dennis Kovach, Shane and Crystal Kovach, Kim Kovach, Floyd and Kerri Semlow; and many cousins.
He was predeceased by his grandmother, Alberta Paulette Kovach; step-grandmother, Patricia Kovach; and Uncle Bob Voytko.
Theo and his family would like to express humble gratitude to all the talented and compassionate staff and UH Cleveland and UH Geauga Medical Center, particularly Seidman Center and the emergency room. This was Theo’s home away from home for the last couple of years. Thank you for treating him like family.
Visitation for Theo will be at Burr Funeral Home in Chardon, from 4-6 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, followed by a time to share memories about him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: UH Seidman Cancer Center, https://www.uhhospitals.org/services/cancer-services/giving-to-uh-seidman; STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation, https://www.staaroc.org/; or The Trevor Project, www.thetrevorproject.org.
Arrangements are entrusted to Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.burrservice.com.
