Ted Fetzer

A visitation and memorial service will be held on Friday, July 12, at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64131. Visitation begins at 12:00 p.m. with service and burial to follow.

Ted was born June 1, 1960, in Kansas City, Missouri, to parents William "Bill" and Barbara Ann Fetzer. The family had five children, three boys and two girls. Throughout their childhood years, they lived in the same family home off 90th street in Overland Park, Kansas. Ted and his siblings all attended Pawnee Elementary School, Hillcrest Junior High, and Shawnee Mission West High School, where he graduated in 1978.

Ted met Eleanor "Ellie" Bryan while still in junior high school, as she was a close friend of his sister, Nancy. Ted and Ellie stayed in touch through the years and ultimately their friendship blossomed, and they married in March of 1991. Together, they raised their beloved daughter, Emily Ann. Emily later married Evan Corder, and the couple blessed Ted and Ellie with two cherished grandsons, Elijah (4) and Ezra (2). Ted embraced his role as Grandaddy with unmatched joy and dedication, cherishing every moment spent with his grandsons. His days were filled with holding, loving, and playing with Elijah and Ezra, making memories that will forever be treasured by his family.

Ted was preceded in death by his father and mother, William "Bill" T. Fetzer and Barbara Ann (Peck) Fetzer. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Ellie Fetzer of Overland Park, Kansas; daughter Emily Ann Corder (Evan) and grandsons Elijah and Ezra of Kansas City, Missouri; siblings Nancy Gilpin (Eddie), Ann Elliott (Jeff), Jim Fetzer, Curt Fetzer (Rachel), step-brother Doug Magoffin (Lisa), and a wide circle of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and in-laws all of whom adored Ted throughout his life.

Ted worked in the painting profession most all his life. For a time, he owned and operated Fetzer Painting Company before transitioning to work for various builders throughout the Kansas City area. His knowledge extended beyond just painting to encompass all aspects of home building and remodeling. He was a wealth of knowledge and a favored contractor for any builder in the area. Ted knew how to solve any problem, fix any need, and he always did it with a great and positive attitude.

Throughout their lives, Ted and Ellie loved to vacation and were blessed to take many trips. Favorite spots were the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and the Smokey Mountains of Tennessee. They also had countless camping trips with friends and family to lakes near Kansas City. There are so many amazing memories made from these epic camping weekends, and Ted was always the “go to” guy for anything needed at the campsite.

The ultimate sportsman, Ted loved fishing, hunting, golf, basketball, and especially baseball. He played in baseball leagues for years and was a tremendous and gifted athlete. He also loved playing golf regularly with some great friends, and no doubt there are some fun memories of their shared time on the courses around Kansas City. He adored his beloved Kansas City Chiefs and loved watching the games with family and friends.

Ted had a heart for animals and he and Ellie had several beloved dogs throughout their lives. They were also very involved with MOGS, a German Shepherd rescue organization, and fostered numerous rescue pets with unbelievable love, patience, and care. Ted earned the title of “dog whisperer” as he just had a way of bringing out love, calmness, and happiness for any dog who crossed his path. They just sensed that he was a good man… and they were right.

Outside of his profound and unwavering love for his family, Ted leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy through countless lifelong friendships, each of which shares deep and meaningful connections to his life. In his last months, Ted was visited by a constant stream of friends from near and far, who simply wanted to spend a little time to tell him how much they loved and appreciated his impact and influence on their lives. These visits were deeply moving for Ted, Ellie and the family, and it was a cherished gift to experience the outpouring of love and support from countless numbers of friends.

Married 33 years, Ted and Ellie share a bond of life and love that transcends the years on the calendar. He loved Ellie greatly and referred to her always as his “Love.” Ted was an amazing father and loved daughter, Emily, with all his heart. He deeply loved his grandsons and all his siblings and family in the same way. His daughter said, “I know our future together hasn’t changed, just the destination.” We give thanks for that assurance and rest easy knowing he is in the arms of Jesus. Ted was an amazing man - kind, thoughtful, hardworking, loving, caring, and always helpful to any and all. His endearing wit and sense of humor were hallmarks of his character. He will be forever missed by everyone who knew and loved him, and that is a very, very, long list. Rest in glory, husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend… with you, He is well pleased.

It is not necessary, but should you desire to make a memorial contribution on behalf of Ted, the family suggests giving to MOGS/Missouri German Shepherd Rescue at the following web address: https://mogsrescue.rescuegroups.org

● John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

● 2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

● Matthew 25:21 Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!