WIERSMA, JR., Theodore A. (Ted)

Arizona Republic (Phoenix AZ) Friday, August 28, 2015, p 15A Theodore "Ted" A. Wiersma Jr., age 86, of Owens Cross Roads, AL passed away on Friday, August 21, 2015 at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL. He was born on December 14, 1928 in Muskegon, Michigan to Theodore and Greta (Mulder) Wiersma Sr. On May 29, 1954 he married LaVaughn J. Ransom and together they shared over 61 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, LaVaughn J. Wiersma of Owens Cross Roads, AL; three sons, Theodore (Fely) Wiersma III of Glendale, AZ, Bryan (Lisa) Wiersma of Huntsville, AL, and Bradley Wiersma of Boise, Idaho; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents and four siblings. Ted graduated from South Bend Central High School and then served his country honorably in the Air Force as a Staff Sgt. He was stationed at Shaw Air Force Base when he married his sweetheart after she arrived on train from La Porte and then owned and operated Furniture City in La Porte and South Bend for years. Ted later became a successful realtor in Phoenix, AZ and worked in that capacity for nearly fifty years. During those years he was given numerous sales awards for his achievements. Ted was an avid hunter, fisherman, and a member of Believers Family Fellowship in Phoenix, AZ. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Cutler Funeral Home And Cremation Center on Friday August 28, 2015 at 12 noon. Pastor Jill Katowski will officiate. Burial will follow at Pine Lake Cemetery in La Porte, IN where full military honors will be conducted. A time of visitation will be held from 6-8pm on Thursday, August 27, 2015, and from 11am until the time of service at the funeral home. Memorial donations may be made to The La Porte Presbyterian Church, 307 W. Escuda Dr., Glendale, AZ 85308.