Obituary of Theodore A Laiti

Theodore A. Laiti, 86, lifelong resident of Duluth passed away peacefully Friday, June 12, 2015, with family at his side, while at Chris Jensen Health and Rehabilitation. He was born Jan. 22, 1929 in Duluth to Alex and Viola Laiti. Ted was a 1947 graduate of Clover Valley High School where he was active in athletics. On Dec. 31, 1951, Ted married Mabel E. Pavlisich. He served in the Army National Guard for 39 years and nine months, along with 36 years at the State of Minnesota Department of Transportation, as a surveyor. Ted enjoyed polka dancing, bowling, gardening, fishing, hunting, playing darts, picking agates and jigsaw puzzles. Most of all he enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Ted was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Lenore. He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Mabel; children, Thomas (Cyndy) of Duluth, Sandra (Paul) Olson of New Hope, Minn., Dean of Fridley, Minn., Robert (Char) of Duluth and Linda Sutherland of Proctor; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 10 a.m. until 12 Noon Friday, June 19, in Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., 218-624-5200 with Military Honors presented by the Duluth Honor Guard at 11 a.m. Memorials are preferred to the Duluth Combined Honor Guard, in care of the American Legion, 5814 Grand Ave., Duluth, MN 55807, in Theodore's name.