TED EUGENE DERSCHEID

Ted Eugene Derscheid, son of Dick and Hester (Stanford) Derscheid, was born February 24, 1950, at Fort Dodge, IA. Ted grew up on a farm in Wright County, IA. He was active in 4-H, FFA and wrestling. His senior year as a Clarion Cowboy he was the 1968 state wrestling champion. Ted furthered his education at Iowa State University, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor’s in science degree in agricultural education. While in Ames he met Nancy Lee Blois. They were united in marriage on May 27, 1973, at St John’s Lutheran Church in Honey Creek, IA. To this marriage, three children were born: Todd, Amy and Rachel.
Ted and Nan raised their family in Ellston where Ted spent his life as a farmer and caretaker of the land. He loved farming and agriculture, the independence, the variety, the handyman “do-it-yourself” approach and working outdoors and with animals. He had a special knack with animals, especially cats. He was active in Farm Bureau, a member of Ellston United Methodist Church and served as Ellston City Clerk for 20 years.
Ted loved facts and figures: calculating probability, studying almanacs, working on crossword puzzles and discussing minutiae of travel logistics, farm yields, or agricultural markets. He was a lifetime Iowa State University Cyclone fan and a faithful attendee of the Iowa State Fair including serving in the Iowa Cattlemen’s “Beef Tent” and one year competing in the frog leg cooking contest. In the last two decades, he enjoyed watching and capturing sunsets, spending time with grandchildren, and planning and traveling with his wife, Nancy.
Ted passed away on April 2, 2022. He was preceded in death by his father, Dick Derscheid, and brother, Paul Derscheid.
Survivors include his wife of 49 years, Nan Derscheid of Ellston; children Todd (Dr. Rachel Lynn) Derscheid of Houston, TX, Amy Davis of Jacksonville, FL, Dr. Rachel (Jon Staron) Derscheid of Collins, IA; six grandchildren; Marcus Davis, Alex, Cori and Daria Derscheid, Kestrel and Fisher Staron; siblings; Ray (Debra) Derscheid of Ellston, IA, Sally (Gary) Woodley of Clarion, IA, Dale (Sue) Derscheid of Ankeny, IA, Scott Derscheid of Delphos, IA; mother, Hester Derscheid of Ellston, IA; mother-in-law, Gladys Blois of Council Bluffs, IA; in-laws, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Visitation is open on Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.with family present Friday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr, IA.
Services are at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 9, 2022, at United Methodist Church in Ellston, IA.
Officiating will be Rev. Rick Hawkins.
Songs are “Amazing Grace”-violin solo by Jon Staron, “Sweet By And By” by Hynek Family and “Happy Trails” by Hynek Family.
Honorary pallbearers are Ray Derscheid, Dale Derscheid, Gary Woodley, Maurice Jones, Steve Werner, Doug Bullock, Steve Anderson, Doug Petty and Lyman Schwarck.
At rest at the Ellston Cemetery in Ellston, IA at a later date.
Memorials are the Iowa State Fair Blue-Ribbon Foundation or charity of your choice.