Theodore Esadore "Ted" Molczyk

SPALDING - Theodore "Ted" Esadore Molczyk, 86, of Spalding died Friday, Sept. 4, 2009, at Friendship Villa in Spalding.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. The Rev. Don Burhman will officiate.

Burial will be in St. Michael's Catholic Cemetery.

Mr. Molczyk was born April 23, 1923 in Cedar Rapids, to Charles and Mary (Banack) Molczyk.

Survivors of his immediate family include two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda and Larry McGowen of Spalding and Mary and Robert Herling of Clarkson; three sons and daughters-in-law, Ted and Jean Ann Molczyk of Grand Island, John and Gina Molczyk of Spalding and Tom and Arlene Molczyk of Spalding; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Frank and Therese Molczyk of Rochester Hills, Mich., and Ray and Violet Molczyk of Spalding; three sisters-in-law, Kate Molczyk of Western, Colleen Molczyk of Phoenix, Ariz., and Veronica Ray of Spalding; and one brother-in-law, John Arthur of Grand Island.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita in 2004; and daughter, Teresa Ann Molczyk.

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Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ted was baptized at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids and confirmed at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Fullerton. He attended a rural school near Spalding, worked for various farmers and planted trees with the Civilian Conservation Corps.

On Nov. 18, 1944, Ted was united in marriage to Rita Caroline Ray at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding. He entered the United States Army Infantry and fought in World War II with the 99th Deadeye Division at Corregidor, Iwo Jima and Okinawa. He earned two Purple Hearts.

After his discharge from the Army, Ted owned and operated a mechanic shop in Spalding until 1974. He and his wife began operating Jay's Tavern and continued for 17 years until retirement. During retirement, he enjoyed spending time helping his son, Tom, at his mechanic shop.

In addition to his wife and daughter, Ted was preceded in death by his parents; four sisters, Helen Engel, Francis Iwan, Irene Arthur and Delores Shade; and three brothers, Norbert, Andrew and Charles Molczyk.