Theodore "Ted" James Korolewski

Theodore "Ted" Korolewski never met a stranger. His warmth, quick wit, and ability to strike up a conversation made him a beloved brother, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Ted passed away peacefully in his Wild Rose, Wisconsin home on February 21, 2025, at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humor, and a passion for life’s simple joys.

Born on December 26, 1936, in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Ted spent his early years in Fall Creek, Wisconsin, where he developed a love for the outdoors and small town life, in addition to being an avid athlete, participating in both basketball and baseball. He attended Fall Creek High School before transferring to Regis High School in Eau Claire, Wisconsin where he was second in State on the Debate team.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Marquette University in Milwaukee in 1958. After graduation, Ted settled in Milwaukee and later Germantown with his young family, where he began his first career as an over-the-road salesman and later sales manager for Taylor Electric Company. He called on retail appliance stores throughout Wisconsin. He particularly enjoyed working in the Green Bay and Appleton areas during the 1960’s and relished sharing stories of his encounters with Green Bay Packers players during their championship years.

 A great lover of history, Ted took his children over the years to national parks, the sights in Washington, D.C. and Civil War battlefields. He also took the kids on fishing trips to Canada and joined them at “deer camp”.

 Ted later transitioned into his second career as an educator, teaching Business Law and Marketing at Fox Valley Technical College. He was an advocate for the job-ready skills offered at the Tech and was supportive of students working full time jobs while enrolled in programs that would lead to improved career opportunities.

 It was at FVTC that he met Gretchen Grimm, and in time they married and shared many years of love and companionship until her passing in 2024. During his time at Fox Valley Tech, Ted formed many lasting friendships, enjoying golf with his colleagues and travel with Gretchen and other couples. After retiring from full-time at FVTC, he continued to teach part-time for many years.

 In retirement, Ted and Gretchen made their home in Wild Rose, where Ted remained active in civic life. He was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club, serving in various leadership positions, and served as Treasurer for the Waushara County Republican Party. His gregarious nature and gift for conversation endeared him to many. Ted found great joy in the simplicity and richness of small-town life, and always looked forward to time with friends and family.

 Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore S. Korolewski and Catherine A. Korolewski, as well as a daughter, Catherine Anne Korolewski. He is survived by his sister, Kay Martin ; his children, John (Sally) Korolewski, Dave (Chris) Korolewski, Joni (Mark) Schlicht, and Theodore James "T.J." (Rochelle) Korolewski II.; his stepchildren, Erik Anderson (Michelle), Justin Anderson (Langley), and Nels Anderson (Emily) along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and friends.

 A memorial service will be held at 3:30PM on Friday, March 28, 2025 at the Wautoma World War II Memorial Building with burial to follow in Wautoma Union Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends from 1:30PM until the time of services at 3:30PM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association. www.alz.org