Obituary of Theodore J. Elias

Age 86 Of St. Paul Ted was born September 27, 1925 and died August 9, 2012 of complications from leukemia. He was preceded in death by his wife Ursuline, parents Michael and Pauline, sister Lorraine, and brother Raymond. Ted was a true member of the "Greatest Generation." He joined the Navy after graduating from Johnson High School and served aboard the USS Shangri-la in the Pacific theater. After the service he worked for 3M and then decided to start his own company, T.J. Elias Sales & Service. He lived his version of the American dream, exhibiting a strong work ethic he passed on to his children and grandchildren. He was a devoted husband and father, and a generous and kind neighbor who could always be found in his garden. Ted was an avid Twins fan, a fisherman, a lover of old Westerns, and a Bay Lake enthusiast who believed his cabin was a castle. He is survived by his children, Tom (Sherry), Jennifer (Joe), and Steve (Susan), and his earthly angels Judy and Kim; grandchildren, Molly (Dan), Ben (Dana), Andy (Janell), Emily (Jon), Stephanie (Erik), Madolyn (Grant), and Sam. Special Papa to Katie and Karie; great grandchildren; Tate, Jake, Ivy, Mick, Joe, Alice, Will, and Tess. Sister-in-law, Rosemary Schoenert and Ken Wiess; special friend to the Semple family and fishing buddy to Casey and Ben; many nieces, nephews, and friends. We want to thank Dr. Puneet Singh Cheema and Kristie Elghazi, CNP at HealthEast Cancer Center and St John's Hospital for their kindness and care during Ted's illness. Mass of Christian Burial Thursday 10:30 AM at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 1725 Kennard St., Maplewood. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation prior to Mass at the Church starting at 9:00 AM.