Theodore William Eller

Theodore (Ted) William Eller was born to William and Caroline Eller on August 14, 1919. He grew up in Dixon, Illinois and graduated from Dixon High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy on June 9, 1944. He went through Boot Camp at the U.S. Naval Training Station in Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion of Boot Camp he was transferred to ABATU, Lido Beach, Long Island, New York where he received Amphibious Training and was transported from Brooklyn Naval Yard through the Panama Canal to New Guinea. He was assigned to the USS PC 1120 (Patrol Craft). He served as a Yeoman Second Class Petty Officer on an Escort Ship and Control Ship on invasions throughout the Philippine Islands and Borneo. He was transferred from duty in the Philippines with Air Priority to Honolulu, Hawaii. He served on the USS Battleship Colorado and was transferred to San Francisco, California. He then went home to Dixon, Illinois for a 30 day leave of Absence. Following his leave he reported to the U.S. Naval Armory in Chicago, Illinois and was discharged from Great Lakes, Chicago, Illinois on March 16, 1946.

Ted attended the College of Mortuary Science in St. Louis, Missouri and graduated on December 17, 1947. He was hired as an Apprentice Embalmer and Funeral Director by Olinger Mortuaries, where he served part of his 2 year apprenticeship. He then took the Colorado State Boards for both Funeral Directing and Embalming.

Ted was hired as the Claims Manager for the Colorado Educational Association Insurance Division in Denver, Colorado. Colorado Blue Cross and Blue Shield took possession of the company and he was hired as the Manager of Colorado Blue Cross and Blue Shield and served in that capacity for 5 years. He was then transferred to the Provider’s Relation as a District Representative where he served unitl he took early retirement on June 1, 1980.

Ted married his wife, Edna C. Eller, on December 1, 1951. They were married for 53 years until her passing on April 9, 2005. He lived in the same house since September 1961.

Ted was a Member in Good Standing of the following Lodges:

Highland Lodge No. 86 AF & AM, Denver, Colorado (50 year Mason, member since June 1, 1944). Scottish Rite Consistory Valley of Denver, Colorado Orient of Colorado

El Jebel Shrine of Denver , Colorado Member since 1949, Life member (50 years plus)

El Jebel Shrine Keystone Kops, Denver, Colorado

El Jebel Shrine Jewel of Honor, Denver, Colorado

Life member of the Patrol Craft Sailors Association.

Ted would like to express a special “Thanks” to his neighbors for their kindness and consideration during his Lymphoma Treatment. Also to his dear friends from the Lutheran Hospice Support Group for their kindness, hospitality and assistance. He really appreciated all of you.

Ted is survived by his son; Gary Eller, grandsons; Maxwell and Evan Eller and his brother; Russell Eller.