Theodore "Ted" Bement

Theodore LeRoy Bement was born to Ben and Alma (Wambach) Bement on September 15, 1935. He grew up in Waubun and spent his life there until 24 years ago when he moved to Tulaby Lake, rural Waubun. When he was 16 years old, he started working for his dad in the family Ford Dealership business and on August 10, 1957 Ted was united in marriage to Lois Pedersen. He and his brother, Gene, purchased the dealership from their father in 1972. They worked together for five years at which time Ted became the independent owner. He later dropped the dealership and focused on used cars and the gas station. In 1981, Ted purchased the Oil Company from Herb Ahles and operated it for twelve years before selling to his nephew, Tom. Ted retired in 1998 and sold the auto business and station to his son, Dave. Ted continued to stay busy and opened Waubun Storage. He sold this business to his son, Rob, in 2003. Ted and Lois continued to live on Tulaby Lake until three months ago when he entered The Cottage assisted living in Detroit Lakes. Ted was blessed to make this his final home and built wonderful relationships with those who lived and worked there. He passed away on Thursday, November 1, 2012 under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley. Ted had a true love for his family, friends, and the Waubun community. Ted was a dedicated fireman for 23 years, was on the city council for 15 years, and served on the board of directors of the Midwest Bank until 1988. He also was president of Ford Parts and Service Club in 1975. To help the Waubun community, Ted purchased the closed grocery store and leased it back into operation. He also bought numerous properties on Main Street and cleaned them up to encourage new businesses. Ted was a devote Catholic and served on the council of St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun and St. Francis Catholic Church in Big Elbow Lake, MN. Ted had a great attitude and was often joking around with family and friends. He was most happy if he was busy and active. He loved spending time in the woods, going for walks, and riding snowmobile. Ted also enjoyed playing cards and golfing. By far, most important in his life was his family. All of the precious memories he made with his wife, kids, and grandchildren will be treasured forever. Ted is survived by his wife, Lois of Waubun; four sons: Mark (Carol) of Detroit Lakes, MN, Rob (Alecia) of Detroit Lakes, David (Jennifer) of Twin Valley, and Scott (Amanda) of St. Cloud, MN; three daughters: Kathy (Joe) Berry of Ogema, Patti Bement of West Fargo, ND, and Jackie (Scott) Zortman of Mahnomen; one brother, Ben (Anne) Bement of Fosston, MN; three sisters: Marilyn (Lloyd) Pavek, Colleen Blattenbauer, and Barbara (Ed) Syverson, all of Waubun; 20 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; and a dear friend, Dan Clark of Ogema. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gene Bement; sister, Nona Stalboerger; and an infant brother, Richard. Funeral Mass will be held on 11:00AM on Monday, November 5, 2012 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Waubun. Visitation will be held at St. Ann’s Church from 3:00pm until 5:00pm, with a Prayer Service beginning at 4:30pm and Rosary to follow. Serving as pallbearers will be Josh Bement, Jesse Clark, Tylor Bement, Nathan Zortman, Samuel Berry, Ryan Bement, and Jack Bement. Honorary bearers will be Nikki Sprouls, Jenna Jacobson, Randi Berry, Jamie Carr, Holli Zortman, Katie Bement, Janessa Bement, Alaina Bement, Talia Olson, Amanda Smith, Brandi Olivieri, Michelle Olivieri, and Joe Olivieri. Interment will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Waubun.

Theodore "Ted" Bement

September 15, 1935 - November 1, 2012