Ted Paffrath

Ted R. Paffrath, age 53, of Owatonna, died Sunday, June 30, near New London from injuries received in a tree-cutting accident. Ted will be laid to rest next to his father in the family apple orchard near New London, MN on Wednesday, July 3, a place where he found personal joy, peace and faith. A private celebration of Ted's life will take place at that time. In honor of Ted's life, memorial contributions can be made to the Owatonna Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation or the Minnesota Pheasants Inc., Steele County Chapter. Future funeral services are not determined at this time. Arrangements are with the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar. www.petersonbrothers.com Ted Raymond Paffrath was born on January 8, 1960, in Willmar, Minnesota, the son of Lowell and Shirley (Frye) Paffrath. He grew up in Willmar and graduated from Willmar High School in 1978. Then, he attended the University of Wisconsin - River Falls and graduated with a Bachelor's of Science in Agricultural Business and Marketing in 1982. After completing college, he began employment with Super Sweet Feeds in Higginsville, Missouri. On December 28, 1984, Ted was united in marriage to Marcia Ann Rohloff. In 1986, they moved to Owatonna where Ted purchased and operated Paffrath Jewelers. His longtime, loyal employee and friend, Joel Earls, will continue to manage Paffrath Jewelers until the family succession is in place. Ted celebrated life and found joy in the outdoors, with his family and through serving his customers. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Owatonna Rotary Club, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever and the National Wild Turkey Foundation. Ted volunteered with the Owatonna Youth Soccer Association and the National Wild Turkey Foundation Mentor Hunt. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, carpentry, wood carving, genealogy, time with his dogs and vacations with his family. Ted will be remembered for his large heart, generosity, patience for all and compassionate nature. His full-bodied laugh will resound with his friends and family for eternity. He is survived by his loving wife, Marcia; two daughters, Alex Paffrath (and special friend, Colin Rime) of Minneapolis and Callan Paffrath of Burnsville; his mother, Shirley Paffrath of Spicer and four siblings, Shannon Carbone of Fountain Hills, AZ., Jeff (and Jean) Paffrath of Breckenridge, CO., Todd (and Diane) Paffrath of Spicer and Joel (and Kristine) Paffrath of Spicer, besides other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Lowell in 1987.