Theodore Franz "Ted" Rouse, D'57
Theodore Franz "Ted" Rouse, D'57, passed away on February 23, 2025 in Elk River, Minnesota. Former Family-Teacher.
Ted passed away peacefully at the age of 82, with loved ones at his side. Ted returned to heaven to see God, his wife, Kris (Turner) Rouse; daughter, Laura Rouse; parents, Roy and Mary Rouse, Bill and Pat Turner, along with many beloved family members and friends who preceded him in death.
Ted’s sisters adored him, and Ted’s brothers were there to protect him, as “Teddy” was the baby of the family, born January 7th 1943 in Sioux City, Iowa. Ted proudly served his country as a Marine, and we know his sense of humor brightened the lives of all who served with him. Ted was a loving, supportive Dad to Laurie, Jim and Corrie; he coached teams, refereed games, cheered from the stands, and gave the best hugs every day.
Being a lifelong die-hard Vikings fan gave Ted much hope and heart break over the years. He was already a Vikings fan when they were nicknamed the Purple People Eaters in the late 60’s; Ted would yell at the players like he was coaching from the sideline, and if any of the family got together to watch the game – the house would vibrate with excitement and noise. Later in life Ted began watching NASCAR and loved it! When Jeff Gordon retired in 2015, Ted still watched NASCAR, but he was a #24 fan to the end.
Ted loved his wife Kris since the mid 1980’s, when most of us thought he looked like Kenny Rogers. Ted and Kris typically worked at the same company and were always willing to try a new adventure. Ted had a gift for putting people at ease with a well-timed joke or a gentle word, which helped when he worked as a Realtor. The most memorable job they accepted as a team was working at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys in Omaha, Nebraska, as Family Teachers; they hoped their kindness, laughter and love would have a positive impact on troubled youth.
In 1998, when Ted and Kris returned to Minnesota after his liver transplant in San Antonio, Texas, they became active members and volunteers of The Church of St. Gerard Majella, in addition, they were members of The Knights of Columbus at the parish for over a decade.
Ted was blessed with many angels here on earth who helped him along the way. He was thankful for: The Rouse Family, The Gaebel Family, The Turner Family; his current neighbors: Lori, Ellie, Becky; and many other friends who helped him during a time of need throughout his life. All were willing to help Ted because above all he had a kind heart.
Ted will be remembered as a man who made the world a little lighter for his family, friends and all who crossed his path.
Ted is survived by his children, James (Berenice) Rouse, Corrine (Peter) Rivers; step-children, Benjamin Nienow, Amy (Josh) Nienow-Nelson, Brenda (Daniel) Schnabel; grand-children, Priscilla, Michael, Christopher, Alexander, John, Luke, Mark, Laremy, Jeremiah, Mia, Alana, Vincent, Calvin; siblings, Penny Bottorff, Judy Jonas, Gertie Anderson; in-laws, Maureen (Mark) Bowman, Joyce (Chuck) Charest, Jean (Mike) Schneider, William (Worawan) Turner III, Ellen (Greg) Coil; many nieces, nephews, cousins and family members too numerous to mention.
Arrangements were made with Dare’s Funeral and Cremation Services of Elk River.
The funeral mass for Ted Rouse will begin at 10:30 AM on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at The Church of St. Andrew, 566 -4th St NW, Elk River, MN. Visitation will begin one hour prior to mass, and the luncheon will follow mass. The Rosary will begin at 9:00 AM CST in the sanctuary.
If you are not able to attend, the funeral mass will be livestreamed at 10:30 AM CST, go to: https://www.saint-andrew.net/ the link to his funeral mass will be on the home page
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation towards Ted and Kris’s burial headstone or please donate to a charity of your choice in Memory of Ted Rouse.
Please make donation checks for burial headstone to Corrine Rivers. Address is: Corrine Rivers, 12805 - 195th Avenue NW, Elk River, MN 55330