Theodore Leo Heisserer

Ted was born to John (Jack) and Joyce Heisserer. He graduated from Detroit Lakes High School in 1972 and earned a B.S. in Business Administration from Bemidji State University in 1976. It was at Bemidji State University that Ted met the love of his life, Holly Plautz. They married on February 19, 1977, in Wheaton, MN, and were blessed with two children, Nick and Amanda. 

Ted began his career in the accounting department for the city of St. Cloud. In 1979, he and Holly moved to Detroit Lakes, where he was hired as Assistant Business Manager of Detroit Lakes Public Schools. His career continued to progress as he took on roles at Lakeland Federal Bank, Detroit Lakes Area Vocational Technical Institute, Frazee Area Schools, and finally returned to Detroit Lakes Public Schools as Business Manager until his retirement in 2012.

Ted was deeply involved in the Detroit Lakes community. He served as a Rotarian in the Breakfast Rotary Club for 42 years, holding several positions including President and Treasurer, and was honored as Rotarian of the Year. His volunteer work extended to numerous organizations, including Dollars for Scholars, St. Mary’s Hospital Board, Boy Scouts, Isaac Walton League, and Let’s Go Fishing.

An avid runner, Ted completed six marathons, several half marathons, and numerous 5Ks. He was also an active member of First Lutheran Church for 45 years, serving in various capacities such as Church Treasurer, Vision Council Board Member, and confirmation teacher and mentor.

Ted’s love for the outdoors was evident in his passion for hunting, fishing, and spending time at his family cabin on Long Lost Lake. He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, and traveling with Holly. In the fall of 2024, Ted achieved his goal of visiting all 50 states with a trip to Hawaii. For the past twelve years, he and Holly cherished their winter getaways in Panama City Beach, FL.

Ted will be remembered for his generosity, commitment to others, and his roles as a loving husband, brother, father, and grandpa. He is survived by his wife Holly, son Nick (Kassie), daughter Amanda, grandchildren Myla and Finnley, brothers Michael (Georgia), Stephen (Marcia), and David (Valery), mother-in-law Joyce Plautz, and nine nieces and nephews and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents, John (Jack) and Joyce Heisserer.

Ted was a wonderful man and will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Memorials can be made to Project 412-806 Summit Ave-Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 or follow the link https://project412mn.org/support-us/#contribute and First Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes.