Theodore Gemzer

Although he was a man of great strength and determination who could be strict and even set in his ways at times, Theodore Ted Gemzer was also tender, compassionate, and expressive in the love he gave to his family. He stood firm in his Catholic faith, and it was his faith that carried him when times were trying down to the depth of his soul. A devoted family man, Ted loved watching his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were his greatest source of pride and joy. Never one to worry about the little things, he focused his time and attention on making the most of the days he was given while holding his loved ones near. Deeply loved, Ted will be forever missed. The 1930s were some of the most trying days we have ever seen as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were scarce and the unemployment rate soared, and things only went from bad to worse with a drought that crippled our nations heartland for nearly two years. Despite the harsh realities around them, Marin Stanley and Mary (Norcewnyk) Gemzer were filled with great anticipation as they were eagerly awaiting the birth of their new baby as summer began to blossom on the city of Muskegon, Michigan, in 1931. Their wait was over when the baby boy they named Theodore K. made his arrival on June 5th. He was one of 10 children and was joined in his family by his siblings, Violet, Stanley, Eddy, Judy, Helen, Rosie, Fred, Julia, and Walter. His father was a foundry worker at CWC while his mother was a busy homemaker. In many ways Ted was a young boy of his generation. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening in addition to playing with the neighborhood kids despite accidentally getting shot in the leg while playing guns when he was 10. Faith was established as a cornerstone in Teds life while growing up, and he enjoyed going to church with his family. He and his siblings loved playing cards together, and he remained close to his siblings throughout his entire life. In fact, his sister-in-law, Ruth Gemzer, was his rock. Ted attended Lakeside and Oakridge schools, and although he didnt graduate as a young man he was so proud to have finished his education through adult ed in 1979. As a young man Ted was a soldier in the Army. He spent much of his time as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne during the Korean Conflict. Ted even saved another paratroopers life by getting this paratrooper on his own parachute when the paratroopers parachute wouldnt open. Life was forever changed for Ted when he met a woman named Theresa Grega who thought he was the most handsome man she ever met at the sight of him in his military uniform. They later married, and together they welcomed five children including James Allen, Carol Jean, Denise Marie, Cheryl (Ann) Marie, and Steven James. Ted and Theresa initially settled in Muskegon, but they later moved to Fruitport where they could have land and animals. He loved farming in addition to all his animals including chickens, ducks, horses, turkeys, dogs cats, his special cow named betsy, and his special pig curly. Ted was a devoted family man through and through as he loved being with his family. He and Theresa were square tappers who even made it on television, and they also liked bowling together. Being of German descent meant that Ted could be determined and strict when it came to his children, but he also made sure that his family knew how deeply they were loved, too. He was also a big hugger. In the Gemzer family there was plenty of fun, too. Ted took his family on vacation every year, usually camping. One year they went camping when Steven was just beginning to walk on his own. Somehow in the busyness of getting everything set up Steven wandered off, leaving his family frantic to find him. Thankfully they discovered him at a nearby campsite with a stick that he wanted to show Ted. Cheryl also loved getting attention from her Dad, so she often pretended to fall asleep on the living room floor so that he would carry her to her bed. Christmas Eve found Ted and his family at Gramma (Bubbas) and Grampa (Zeddas) house to be with extended family. It was also a vital part of family life to go to Saint Thomas Catholic Church every Sunday together. Ted liked playing cards with his brothers and sisters, and at times the whole family went along. Throughout his life Ted was one to work hard as it was his mission to provide his children with the things he needed to go without as a boy. He spent some time working at Johnson Products before spending the bulk of his career at Sealed Power, primarily working in the boiler room. Ted retired in 1989. After retiring Ted continued living life to the fullest. He liked snowmobiling with his brother and good friends up to Mecosta. Through the years Ted had many friends including Jim and Nancy Guerst, Carl and Nell Olsen, and Bob Archer as well as many friends from work. Ted took several fishing and hunting trips with his step sons, David and John, and son in law, Jeff, and brothers and friends in Mecosta. Ted also kept busy gardening and fixing up houses. He and his third wife, Violet, frequently took Jeffrey to the park and to the pier on Lake Michigan to talk to the fisherman. Ted and Violet along with his brother, Walter, and his wife, Ruthie, liked going to Texas in the winter, looking for treasures at flea markets, and fishing. In addition to being an active member at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Ted was also a member of the American Legion 0009 and VFW William J Beal Post #446. With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Theodore "Ted" Gemzer filled his days making memories with the ones he loved most. Work certainly had a place in his life, but he knew how to have fun, too. Ted leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him. Theodore "Ted" K. Gemzer died on Tuesday, January 27, 2015. Teds family includes his sons, James (Pat) Gemzer, Steven (Brenda) Gemzer; daughters, Carol (Mike) Enders, Denise Prys, Cheryl McAlinden; 15 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sister, Helen Pulsifer. Ted was preceded in death by his parents; 2 wives; 4 brothers; and 3 sisters. Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 30, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Deacon David Kaspryzk officiating. Interment in Egelston Township Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Mercy VNS & Hospice. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.