Theodore H. Derse

Theodore H. “Ted” Derse

February 6, 1944 – June 8, 2026

Theodore H. “Ted” Derse, age 82, of Waterford, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 8, 2026.

Ted was born in Milwaukee, on February 6, 1944, the son of the late Theodore and Lucille (Luedtke) Derse. He was united in marriage to Donna E. Brower on June 26, 1982, in Milwaukee.

Ted was a dedicated and hardworking man throughout his career. He worked for Perfex and Allis-Chalmers before retiring from Johnson Wax 25 years ago. He was the first chairman of the Waterford Waterway Management District andserved on the Town of Waterford Planning Commission for many years. He also served on the Norway Lutheran Church Council and led in the establishment of the Norway LutheranChurch Endowment Fund.

Ted is lovingly survived by his wife, Donna; his children, Dr. T. Scott (Kathi) Derse, Stacey (Matthew) Hicks, and Bryan (Gina) Guzlecki; his grandchildren, Megan, Matthew(Mia), James and Sarah Derse, Samantha and Noah Hicks, Andrew, Austin and Caleb Guzlecki and Gavin and AidenHans; and his great-granddaughter, Charlotte. He is further survived by his sisters-in-law, Diann Augustynowicz and Dina Brower, along with many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lynne Greene and Cindy Derse; his brothers-in-law, Mark Greene, Stosh Augustynowicz and Dale Brower; and his parents-in-law, Filmore and Elva Brower.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Norway Lutheran Church (6321 Heg Park Road, Wind Lake, WI 53285) from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will take place at Oakwood Rest Cemetery at a later date.

Ted will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his service to his community, his strong work ethic, and the many lives he touched throughout the years.

Memorials to the Norway Lutheran Church Endowment Fund.

Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home is proudly serving the Deser family.

• Mealy-Stencel Funeral Home

• 225 W. Main Street Waterford, WI 53185

• 262-534-2233

• www.stencelfh.com