Theodore "Ted" C. Rohde

Theodore “Ted” Rohde, 93, of La Crosse, passed away peacefully, March 20, 2026, surrounded by family at the Mayo Clinic Health System.

Ted was born January 22, 1933, and with the exception of his military service, he lived his entire life in La Crosse. He was the youngest of five children, born to Velmor and Hildegard (Jungen) Rohde.

After graduating from La Crosse Central in 1950, he began working for Sears Roebuck. He married his high school sweetheart, Beverly (Stair), in 1953; their love lasted a lifetime. Later that year, Ted was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and was stationed for two years at Fort Lewis, Washington, earning the rank of Sergeant. He resumed working for Sears upon discharge, and in 1965, he was hired as a La Crosse County Sheriff’s Patrol Officer.

Always desiring to be independent, in 1969, he began his own drywall, painting, and wood finishing businesses. This entrepreneurial endeavor began as a partnership: Thunderbird Decorating, evolved into his solo business: Ted Rohde Painting and Drywall, and eventually became: Ted Rohde Painting and Crew.

He was a founding member of the La Crosse Area Home Builders Association.

Throughout his lifetime, Ted was always a “do-it -yourself” kind of guy. There wasn’t anything that duct tape, masking tape, or Ted Rohde couldn’t fix. His family and acquaintances always marveled or jokingly teased him about his innovative techniques and designs. And there were many! Ted never really retired; he just slowed down. He always had a project at hand.

Ted and Bev shared a wonderful marriage for 73 years. They enjoyed traveling and made frequent trips to California to visit their daughter and her family. They were also happy to have visited 49 of the 50 states. Together, they enjoyed sightseeing, card playing, dining out, casinos, and many good friendships.

Ted was an avid fisherman and, over the years, was a winner of many horseshoe tournaments. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone, especially his family. He enjoyed being a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Rudolph, Janet, Robert and LaVonne, and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife of 73 years, Bev. His daughters: Donna (Dan) Teska of La Crosse, Debbie (Duane) David of Eureka, California and his son: Dave (Cherie) Rohde of Onalaska. His grandchildren: Andy (Andrea) Teska, Molly (Ben) Risseeuw, Trevor (Steve Bazzini) David, Elizabeth (Greg) Stephens, Scott (Jamison) Rohde, Ben (Samantha Kabat) Rohde, Craig (Amy) Every, and Penny (Jeff) Alibrandi. Great-grandchildren: Gianna, Ella, Nathan, Dominic, Kai, Bentley, Tenley, Taytum, Hayden, Kadence, Lyric, Riley, Jackson, Nina, and Hailee.

Services will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at Faith United Methodist Church, 1818 Redfield St., La Crosse. Visitation 9:30-10:45 am. Funeral at 11 am, followed by a reception in the church hall. Interment with military honors will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Ted’s memory to either the American Legion, 711 6th St. S., La Crosse, WI, 54601 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (Link below).