Theodore “Ted” Myron Thoreson, 87, passed away on Nov. 10, 2018, while residing in Lilydale, Minn. He was preceded in death by his wife Joan LaVonne (Scharberg) Thoreson ‘52 in May 2018, his parents Mens and Gladys; and brothers Truman and Everett of Mayville N.D. He is survived by his three daughters, Karen Thoreson (Augy August), Patti Bauer (Mark) and Julie Seykora (David); and his younger sister and brother Mazie Niebling and Glenn Thoreson (Rosie). Ted had two dear grandchildren Edward (Ted) Seykora and Lauren Crepeau (Adam) and four great grandchildren, Ava, Henry, Freddie and Davey Crepeau. He always loved being around little children and his great grandkids in particular!

Born in 1930, Ted was a handsome, dashing young man who pursued a teaching career in music. He graduated from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1952 where he met the love of his life, Joan. He began his 32-year band director vocation in Monona, Iowa, then Mora, Minn., and went on to teach at Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico and St. Cloud Minn. He and Joan were avid golfers throughout their marriage and retired to Venice, Fla., in 1993. They returned to Minn., in 2015 to be closer to family.

We will always remember Ted with his baton leading the band, marching in hundreds of parades, singing in the car and playing difficult piano pieces by memory. He demonstrated his perfect pitch through 25 years of piano tuning or by calling out a note on the scale when he heard an elevator ding or a telephone ring. He inspired many young musicians and his family and friends with his music, wit, laughter and love. Ted received the Carlo A. Sperati Award from Luther College in 1987.

There was a private ceremony for interment of ashes. Our grateful thanks to Our Lady of Peace Hospice for their compassionate care with our father during his final months of life. Memorials can be made to Luther College (www2.luther.edu). We miss you Dad! Rest in peace now with Mom.