Ted R. HeislerBOURBON – Ted R. Heisler was born Jan. 31, 1946, at the Kosciusko County hospital as the youngest son to Charles “Wayne” and Amla Heisler of Etna Green.
He attended the Etna Green school until 1962-63 when, as a junior, the Etna Green Cubs consolidated with the Triton School system. Ted had several interests in high school in which he excelled, but there was one particular interest that would help define the rest of his life and her name was Sally K. Pershing. Ted and Sally became best friends, fell in love and were married on Sept. 25, 1965.
Their motto from early in their marriage till the day that Ted passed was “you and me, you and me, babe!” It was this approach to life, and his marriage, that allowed Ted to love Sally as fully on the day of his death as he did on the day of his marriage.
Out of this relationship, Ted and Sally would welcome three children into this world: Tod Allen, Jeffery Wayne and Tracy Lynne.
Ted worked for Uniroyal in Warsaw as a regrind specialist for 45 years.
Ted became a follower of Jesus Christ early in his marriage. He gave much credit to his grandmother Pearl for the deep rootedness of his faith in Christ Jesus. He lived out most of his life of faith attending the Nappanee Missionary Church, where he loved attending his small church class and annually serving in the Feed My Starving Children campaign. Ted’s faith as a believer matured with each passing day and he knew that at the end of this life his next would begin because of what Jesus accomplished in His death, burial and resurrection.
He is survived by Sally Kay Heisler, his loving wife of 55 years; his children: Tod (Lynette) Heisler, Fort Wayne; Jeff (Kim) Heisler, Wadena, Minn.; Tracy (Slimak) Heisler, Warsaw; grandchildren: Clint (Britney) Heisler, Greenwood; Caleb Heisler, Fort Wayne; Kylee Heisler, Marion; Jordan (Christina) Heisler, Fargo, Minn.; Josiah Heisler, Fargo, Minn.; Markail Heisler, Wadena, Minn.; Tyson (Linzie) Howard, Fort Wayne; and Taelynne (Justin) Ousley, Bourbon; and Zach Slimak, Warsaw; great-grandchildren: Mila Heisler, Capri Heisler and Ophelia Howard. He is also survived by his brother, Tom Heisler, Etna Green.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Wayne and Alma Heisler; and oldest brother, Larry.
Visitation will be Monday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with funeral services following at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Heisler officiating in Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home, 115 S. Main St., Bourbon. Burial will follow at Etna Green Cemetery, Etna Green.
In keeping with current COVID-19 regulations, masks will be required as well as being mindful of social distancing during the visitation time and funeral service.
Deaton-Clemens Funeral, Bourbon, is privileged to be entrusted with the care of the family in making arrangements.
The family wishes to thank friends and the community for their support during this difficult time.
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Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at www.deatonclemensfh.com.
