Ted Derscheid

Ted Eugene Derscheid, son of Dick & Hester (Stanford) Derscheid, was born February 24, 1950, at Fort Dodge, Iowa. Ted grew up on a farm in Wright County, Iowa. 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, Iowa. 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; 6 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.