Theodore “Ted” Tweed

Theodore “Ted” Tweed, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather departed from this world Sunday evening at home, January 12th, 2025 at age 91. Ted was born on July 1, 1933 in West Salem, Wisconsin and shortly after moved with his family to Garner, Iowa. Ted is the son of Selmer and Clarissa Tweed (deceased) and grew up in both Garner and Lake Mills, Iowa. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he met the love of his life Janet (Campbell) Tweed. They married in 1955 in Waupaca, Wisconsin. 

Ted served in the United States Army after college and was very proud to be a serviceman and veteran. Following the Army he completed a Masters Degree at the University of Iowa in Audiology and worked at the University until 1968 where he began employment at the University of Wisconsin. Upon retiring he kept his love of helping the hearing impaired alive through private practice and emeritus faculty status at the UW.

Family and community were always a priority in Ted’s life. He and Janet raised two sons in Waunakee where they have been residents and active community members for 57 years. He found a love of running, completed many races including multiple marathons, and was the founder of the Waunafest Run in 1979 where he served as its race director for 18 years. In 2023 the longer race was designated the “Ted Tweed 10 Mile”. As a member of the Waunakee Lions Club, American Legion, and Optimists Club he served his community for years as a volunteer and in many leadership roles within the organizations. As a member of the Lions Club he founded the Waunakee Health Fair to promote community health education. 

Ted also had a great love of music, trained as a percussionist and a member of the Luther College concert band. He continued throughout his life to enjoy music through many outlets including the First Brigade Band, Waunakee Community Band, and the Blessed Brass. Later in life he learned to play the Trombone and was an active musician playing until he was 90 years old. As a committed leader he served in many roles with the Boy Scouts. He took great pride in his accomplishments in leadership training, and leading backpacking trips with the scouts. 

In his retirement Ted was a master woodworker and carver. He created furniture, many household items, and carved figures that will keep his memory alive for generations to come as priceless reminders of his creativity and skill. He was a man of many talents, always enjoyed a good laugh, and had many happy hours in his final years with friends and family, sharing stories and jokes.

Ted will be greatly missed and was much loved and respected by his entire family. He is survived by his wife Janet Tweed of 69 years. Also survived by sons and daughter-in laws, Paul (Dawn) Tweed, and Steve (Krista) Tweed. He was cherished and is survived by his 6 grandchildren and their spouses, Samuel Tweed, Benjamin (Jacky) Tweed, Lucas Tweed, Will (Kate Thompson) Tweed, Jennifer (Kyle) Eldridge, and Stephanie Tweed. and 4 great-grandchildren, Evalyn Tweed, Teddy Tweed, Louella Tweed, and Lillian Eldridge. He was preceded in death by his brother Thomas Tweed, grandson Tyler Tweed, and great granddaughter Josie Mae Eldridge.

Visitation for Ted is Friday, January 17 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Winn-Cress Funeral and Cremation services 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, Wisconsin. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18th at Peace Lutheran Church, Waunakee, Wisconsin at 11:00am with a luncheon to follow. 

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

 Winn-Cress Funeral Service

 5785 Hwy Q

 Waunakee, WI