Timothy "Ted" Spellman

1927 - 2015

Spellman, Timothy "Ted" Age 88 of Franklin, died on February 28th, 2015, at his home after a ten year battle with cancer. Ted was born on January 21st, 1927, the son of Francis and Ethel (nee Burns) Spellman. Ted is survived by his wife of 64 years, June (nee Hefty); sons Elvin (Rebecca) and Ken (Debra); daughter Diane (Roger) Lenz; son-in-law Robert Dixon; six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; sisters Mary Elizabeth "Bette" and Imelda Jean; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ted was preceded in death by daughter Sharon Dixon-Spellman; brothers Francis, James, Marcellus "Marc", and sister Rosemary. Ted was proud of his work in the semi-trailer business. He started in 1950 at the age of 24, with Smith-White Truck sales in Madison, WI. In 1959, he founded Dorsey Trailer Sales of Madison (later becoming Midwest Trailer Sales in 1982). In 1968 he formed a new company in Milwaukee, called Dorsey Trailer Sales of Wisconsin, which in 1991 became Spellman Trailers, Inc. He was a charter member of the National Trailer Dealers Association. He was known nationally for his knowledge of semi-trailers, he was a mentor to many future business owners, and well respected by his peers and customers. Ted's neighbors experienced his love of landscaping as he turned his backyard into a natural area with a variety of native plants he collected from around Wisconsin. He was able to see his latest section thrive- an area of no-mow grass. He delighted in taking relatives and friends on a tour of his latest backyard project. Before cancer slowed Ted, he enjoyed playing golf and attending Packer and Brewer games. Ted enjoyed playing cards with visiting relatives and friends. Ted was a member of St. James Catholic Church, Franklin. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 4th, from 4-7PM at the FUNERAL HOME. Visitation will continue on Thursday, March 5th, from 9-10AM at ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7219 S. 27th St, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10AM. Burial Forest Hill Memorial Park. A special thanks to Dr. Rubina Qamar and staff with Aurora Cancer Care, and Aurora's Metro Hospice Care. HERITAGE FUNERAL HOMES Johnson-Reiss Klemmer-Scheuerell-Tyborski 9200 S. 27th St. 414-761-2750 Guest Book & Directions www.heritagefuneral.com