Theodore J. “Ted” Williams age 77 of Clinton, IA passed away Tuesday July 23, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, July 29th at 10:30 AM at Prince of Peace Parish. Visitation will be held Sunday 2 – 5 PM at the Pape Funeral Home. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, where Clinton AMVETS will conduct military honors. Casket bearers will be Brandon and Benjamin Dopson, Adam, Brian, and Jason Burke, Patrick and Henry Arnold. Memorials may be made to Prince of Peace Parish or the family. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com
Ted was born on Dec. 24, 1946 in Boone, IA the son of Robert and Marguerite (LaCroix) Williams. He graduated from St. Mary’s High School, Clinton in 1965 and the Milwaukee School of Engineering where he earned a degree in Electrical Engineering in 1970. He was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving from 1970-1974.
Ted married his high school sweetheart, Jeanne Burke, on Nov. 29, 1969 in Clinton, IA. He worked as a Technical Instructor in computer programming for Control Data, Blue Stone, and Hewlett Packard. He enjoyed teaching and sharing his talents all over the world. Ted and Jeanne retired back to Clinton in 2003.
Ted acquired his Ham Radio certification at the age of 14. This hobby he enjoyed the rest of his life. He was an active member of Prince of Peace Parish and volunteered with the Clinton Symphony of Lights committee and the Clinton Mardi Gras Parade association. He was a member of the Clinton Amateur Ham Radio Club as well as the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT). Ted was a trained weather spotter. He loved trains and travel, especially cruising. Ted was witty and enjoyed sharing his dry sense of humor. Since Jeanne is admittedly technologically challenged, he always called her a ‘speed bump on the information highway’
Ted is survived by his wife, Jeanne Williams of Clinton, IA; three sisters, Georgena Arnold of Clinton, IA, Mary Jo (Steven) Dopson of Clinton, IA, and Marla (James) Nagel of St. Petersburg, FL; three brothers-in-law, Patrick (Kathy) Burke of LeClaire, IA, Joseph (Rachel) Burke of Indianapolis, IN, John (Lucrecia) Burke of Gilbert, AZ; and a sister-in-law, Cynthia (David) Harcourt of Alabaster, AL. and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father-in-law and his brother-in-law, Gerald Arnold.
Our deepest condolences to the Williams and Burke families. Ted was a kind, intelligent and funny human being who had great love for others, but especially Jeannie. They had a love and rapport that was easy for anyone to see. Ted had a wonderful, dry sense of humor that was just delightful. He is missed by all the friends in New Jersey, as well as anyone who met him. Rest in peace.
Our deepest condolences. This past week has been unbelievably sad and devastating. Ted’s obituary was so well written that it brought back vivid memories of him…Hanging out in Marg’s dining room, Ted holding a fancy, accessorized Shiatzu (with a serious under bite), puffing on his pipe (college professor style) and dishing out very dry, sophisticated humor. Most of all, he and Jeanne had such a fun and playful rapport. You could feel the great love they had for one another. Jeanne, with all of this sorrow, I hope you can find some strength in knowing that you found the love of your life in this world and the two of you had 10 lifetimes of fun together. The highlight of our 2024, was having Ted and Jeanne visit us before one of their cruises. We didn’t know at the time that when we said goodbye to Ted that it would be forever. Rest in peace Ted. We love you and will miss you. In your honor, we will make a pact to forever turn up our noses to chardonnay.
My deepest condolences and prayers for Jeanne and the family. I fondly remember Ted as a kind, fun loving person.
God bless each of you as you grieve the loss of someone so dearly loved.
Renee Hogan
So very sorry for your sudden loss of precious Ted. We are heavy in heart and praying for you. May all the wonderful memories of that incredible man carry you through your grief journey.
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Praying you feel His loving arms around you.
Our love to you!
Jason and Terri Ellefson
An immense loss for the Williams and Burke family.
The countless sweet memories of Ted will help us during these difficult days.
Jeanne, I hope you find strength in the fact that you and Ted love for each other has been an example for all of us. My sincere condolences.
Love
Lucrecia Burke
Jeanne,
Our deepest sympathies and condolences for your devastating loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this trying time. May the comfort of your family and friends be with you as your life journey continues. May God bless you with the strength to continue on and may all the wonderful memories of a live with your Ted bring you comfort. Love, Bill and Judy Dietzler.
dont cry because it’s over..
SMILE
because it happened
dr seuss