Theodore "Ted" G. Wellendorf, Sr.

Ellsworth, Minnesota

Theodore "Ted" G. Wellendorf, Sr., 83, of Ellsworth, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, at Sanford Sheldon Medical Center.

His celebration of life will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at On The Rocks Bar and Grill in Ellsworth, Minnesota.

Arrangements are under the care of the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in Sheldon.

Theodore Gertz Wellendorf was born March 29, 1943 to Elmer and Mary (Caudle) Wellendorf in Luverne, MN. He was raised on the family farm by Ellsworth, MN. It was here that the foundation of Ted’s life took shape. In his younger days, Ted was active in playing sports; learning music, especially playing his trumpet; hunting and fishing with friends; riding his horse, King; helping on the farm; and seeking adventure.

After graduating high school, Ted attended the University of South Dakota and the Professional Institute of Minneapolis where he earned a degree as an X-Ray and Medical Tech. After earning his degree, Ted arrived in Roswell, New Mexico where he owned and operated a medical lab, and where he was blessed with the first three of his children, Brandy, Teddy, and Derek.

Following his stay in New Mexico, Ted came home where he helped his dad, raised his boys, and would later meet the love of his life, Suzan. Ted and Suzan made their home in Ellsworth, and welcomed their daughter, Leann.

Ted was known for his friendly personality, and his zest for life. It was not uncommon for people to stop to see Ted, sit at his picnic table, and admire his garden. He was proud to pass his love of gardening to his children. He also enjoyed fishing with his sons, his many friends, and his grandsons. He was an avid football fan, often watching the games with his grandchildren.

Ted enjoyed many jobs over the years, some of which were custom combining, driving the water tank at the fertilizer plant, and for the last 20 years, he was a delivery driver for Pork Storks. He even started his own online antique shop in his later years. This kept him busy buying and selling. Although he still found time to ride around town in his golf cart, go out to eat with Suzan and their friends, play fantasy football, and spend time with his children and grandchildren.

One of Ted’s greatest loves was his English Springer Spaniels. He could often be found in his chair surrounded by his beloved four-legged family members. Ted lived a big life, filled with love, determination, and ideas. He never let his age define his ambitions.

Ted is lovingly survived by his wife, Suzan of Ellsworth, MN; his children Derek (Michelle) of Boyden, IA; Leann (Dale) of Royal, IA; Ted Jr. (Rebecca) of Edmund, OK; and Brandy of Duluth, MN. His grandchildren, Christopher (Priscilla), Chelsea, Benjamin (Jessica), Shelby (Tim), Shaylee, Caleb, Evan, Morgan (Eli), and Collin, along with many great-grandchildren. His sister, Linda of Napa, CA; his sisters-in-law, Mille (Wendell) of George, IA and Ranae (Kevin) of Sheldon, IA; several nieces and nephews, many friends who felt like family, and his English Springer Spaniels.

Ted was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Mary; his in-laws, Harry and Grace Gertsma; an infant grandson, Spencer Wellendorf; a sister-in-law, Viola Stettnichs; brothers-in-law, Jeff Stettniches and Duffy Mallet; a niece, Gwen Meester; and his best friend, Fred Huisman.