Ted Smith

There is much that can be said for the life of Theodore "Ted" Smith, but there are several that come to mind with fond remembrance. Hard working and dedicated are but just a few, but to those who loved and knew him, he leaves much to be remembered and more.

From fashion to politics, forces clashed in the 1920s to produce one of the most explosive decades of the century. An age of prohibition, prosperity followed many new advancements, discoveries, and inventions which greatly improved the American way of life. A sense of gaiety filled the air, and The Roaring Twenties challenged America’s once conservative nature all while bringing a sense of hope to the nation. During this time of change, Rene and Marie Smith, a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan who immigrated to the U.S. from Belgium in 1915, were making a way for themselves in the new country they now called home. Along with their nine year old daughter Gabriella, the May 16, 1921 birth of their American born son, Theodore Frank gave them cause for celebration.

Known as the "Celery King", Theodore's parents were hard working farmers who sacrificed much for their family. With household chores and looking after the children, his mother toiled the fields harder than anyone. Their home and family farm was situated on parcels along Pannel Road NW and it was where Theodore, or Ted as he was affectionately called, enjoyed boyhood adventures.

Ted attended St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School and later, Fairview School, which he counted as his favorite. He went on to Catholic Central High School and typically rode his bike to school each day. While on his way to school during his 11th grade year, Ted slipped on ice and was run over by a vehicle. He never really went back to school after the accident and eventually left school altogether to remain at home to work the fields.

Having grown into a hard working young man, Ted found love in the mid 1930s while watching a softball game. Quite smitten with one of the players, he was enamored

with Dena Suttorp from the first time he laid eyes on her. Although described as a quiet fellow, Ted mustered the courage to ask Dena out and they began dating, often taking in a show. Deeply in love, they were married on October 5, 1940 by a Justice of the Peace. There was no time or money available for a honeymoon as Ted needed to tend to his farm and was soon sent off to war during World War II.

In time Ted and Dena were blessed with the addition of five children in their lives. Teddy, Betty, Marie, Susan and Janice meant everything to Ted. Sadly, his one and only son was tragically killed in an accident at the tender age of four. This loss was understandably difficult for Ted and his wife, but they learned to keep their precious son's memory close to their hearts as they moved on.

When it came to raising his girls, Ted struggled at times and tried hard to be all a father should be to four daughters. It got easier for him the older they became and as he grew older, they became the best of friends when it was easier relating to them as adults. Although his own education was limited, Ted was a very smart man. He could complete a crossword puzzle in 20 minutes or less, enjoyed reading, and anything to do with history and economics. He liked helping his daughters with their schoolwork, and just like everything else, he had the greatest of patience. One of his proudest moments was when his daughter, Janice graduated. He was so taken by the moment he stood up and began waving to her.

In 1956, Ted lost his father suddenly. He tried with all his might to keep the farm going, but it eventually had to be sold. With his father gone and the family farm no more, Ted found himself at a loss for work. He worked various jobs here and there for a time, and in 1958 the big break he was looking for came when he landed a job working with sheet metal at Behler-Young. His employment there provided Ted with good, steady work until he retired in 1985. Even then, they paid his health insurance for the rest of his days!

Content at home, Ted wasn't big on travel. He didn't care for eating out, either, and simply liked the comforts of home. A good home cooked meal, usually meat and potatoes, satisfied his appetite. He possessed a few peculiar food preferences, too. He liked herring in wine sauce, pickle roasted sausage from Lewandoski's Market and of course, a cold glass of chocolate milk. With his farming background, Ted continued his love for gardening and grew some of the best tomatoes, green beans and raspberries. He liked spending time in his garden and there he found a little piece of heaven.

In all his years, Ted always drove a truck, and always drove very . . . slow. He liked to say he drove better after a few beers, and as a longtime member of the VFW Post 830, he liked going there to have a beer or two with the boys every now and then. Even though he was considered quiet, when it came to political discussions, Ted was right in the mix. He was a tried and true Democrat and could talk politics with the best of them.

Ted enjoyed music, especially the sounds of Mario Lanza and Hank Williams Sr. After he retired in 1985, he took a small engine repair class and an antique course. He had plenty of free time on his hands and it was something he always wanted to do. The pool at his daughter Janices was always inviting during the summer months and Ted just loved being there. In fact, he went there nearly every day that he could.

Enjoying good health through the age of 88, the last few years were rough for Ted. Each of his daughter's provided around the clock care for him at home until three weeks ago when he went to live at the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. It was there, at the age of 90, where Ted died on Friday, August 19, 2011. Sadly missed, he will be fondly remembered.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rene and Marie Smith, sister, Gabriella Geerling (Aunt Gabe) and by his son, Theodore Daniel Smith. Ted is survived by his wife, Dena; daughters: Betty (Tom) Dygert of Brownsburg, Indiana, Marie (Tom) Agnello of Comstock Park, Susan Healy and Janice (Chuck) Eyster, both of Grand Rapids; grandchildren: Todd (Ronda) Dygert, Lori (John) Medjeski, David Dygert, Emily (Keith) Foster, Cathy (John) Pyper, and Andy (Jenny) Tomaszewski; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Betty Annis and Mary Smith; brother-in-law, Don Suttorp; special nephew, Phil Annis; special niece, Rose Van Haften. Special thanks to Hospice of Michigan and Grand Rapids Home for Veterans for the care shown to Ted.

A Celebration of Life service for Ted will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, August 22, 2011 at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. NW. Friends may visit with his family on Sunday from 2-4 and 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Contributions in his memory may be made to Hospice of Michigan or Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to submit a favorite memory or photo of Ted and to sign his online guest book prior to arriving at the funeral home.