Theodore Henry Prueter

Ted Prueter was born on March 9, 1932 in Toledo, Ohio, the son of William Prueter and Martha, nee Noffke. He was born by Water and the Holy Spirit through Holy Baptism on March 31, 1932 at Zion Lutheran Church, Toledo, Ohio. and renewed his Baptismal Covenant at Zion Lutheran Church on his Confirmation day, April 14th, 1946.

Ted attended Devilbiss High School. He received his Bachelors Degree from Bowling Green University (1956) and a Masters Degree from Michigan State University (1969).

Ted went on to serve his country in the United States Navy in the reserves and active duty from 1949 - 1958. During his tours of duty, Ted had the honor of attending Officers Candidate School and being part of history by assisting the Nautilus after its historic journey under the polar cap, tending to the Sea Wolf and being in the bay of Havana during Castro’s entrance to Havana.

On May 21, 1960 Ted was united in marriage at Trinity Lutheran Church – Manhattan – Lower East Side, with Deaconess Mary Elaine Kluge, of Collinsville, Illinois. (Ted and Elaine remained in NYC until 1963, during which time Ted served as a full-time Lay Worker at Trinity under the auspices of The Atlantic District of Synod.) Their marriage was blessed with three sons: William, Timothy and Richard; two daughter’s in-law: Linda and Kimberly; two grandsons: Andrew and David and a granddaughter: Emily.

In 1959 - 1963, Ted served as a Lay worker for Trinity Lutheran Church on New York’s Lower East Side. During this time, Ted also attended 2 summers at Concordia University – River Forest, IL and also taught at Trinity Lutheran School.

Ted began his teaching career in Pontiac, Michigan at the old Pontiac High School (Feb. 1956). Ted later moved to Pontiac, Michigan. Ted taught in Pontiac from 1963 – 1987. After retiring from the Pontiac School District, Ted went on to teach in Prince George County, Maryland from 1988 – 1998.

Ted was gifted in many ways and was always willing to assist anyone. His gifts included crafts, tailoring, painting, and creation of the paraments and banners for Peace Lutheran Church –Waterford, Michigan where he held the offices of Vice President, Head Elder, Head Usher and Choir Member. Ted later served Cedar Crest Lutheran Church as Head Elder and also created several banners and a burial Pall for the church. He held the office of President for the Michigan Chapter of MASRP and was a member and librarian for the Big Chief Barbershop Chorus. Mostly, Ted was a God-fearing man always willing to assist a friend, neighbor and his sons.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, July 1, 2019 at Peace Lutheran Church, 7390 Elizabeth Lake Road in Waterford. The family will receive friends Sunday, June 30, 2019 from 2-8 pm at the Highland Chapel of the Elton Black & Son Funeral Home, 3295 E. Highland Road and Monday at church from 9:00 am until the time of service at 10:00 am. Interment along with Military honors will follow the service on Monday, July 1, 2019 at 1:00 pm.

Memorial contributions suggested to the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans Art Program or Good Shepherd Home Raker Art Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania.