My brother Brian and I were lucky enough to both go on the Honor Flight with our Dad in 2019. It meant a great deal to all of us, and we'd like to honor our Dad's passing by raising money to donate to the Upper Penninsula Honor Flight Organization.

Below is my Dad's announcement.

Theodore (Ted) Daniel Werch passed away peacefully at home in Menominee, MI on August 18, 2022. He was 77 years old and surrounded by loved ones.

Ted was born April 16, 1945, to Daniel and Esther Werch in Milwaukee, WI. During high school, his family moved from Milwaukee to Iowa City, IA. He graduated from City High in Iowa City. Highly intelligent, Ted was the recipient of a National Merit Scholarship. After high school, he worked at Iowa Lumber Company and earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Iowa.

In 1968, Ted was drafted into the US Army, where he directed howitzer fire in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged as an SP5 in 1969 and returned to Iowa City. He successfully ran Iowa Building Systems, designing and manufacturing roof and floor trusses. He also raised two sons with his first wife, attended Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, coached little league baseball, and led Boy Scout Troop 203.

Ted and his family lived in De Pere, WI, for 6 years before moving to Menominee, MI, in the mid-90s. He spent many years in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) in technical sales, selling process control valves, meters and designed systems for the mines and paper mills. He enjoyed his work and the opportunity to explore the U.P.

In the early 2000s Ted grew attached to his future wife, Peg, in Menominee. They spent the last 20+ years loving and supporting one another. Ted was an avid power boater, deer hunter, and fisherman. He was active with the Marinette Menominee Yacht Club (MMYC) where he served as the Principal Race Officer for a number of years as well as filled many other positions as needed. American Legion Post 146 was a significant part of Ted’s support and social circle, especially after he took an Honor Flight trip with his sons.

Ted was quick to lend a tool and/or his knowledge of all things mechanical to his family, friends, and neighbors. He loved to read, study military history, and watch auto racing. He was a great father and grandfather. Ted was a positive contributor to this world.

Ted is survived by his loving wife, Margaret (Peg) Stearn Werch; his ex-wife, Alicia Werch; their sons, Robert (Bob) Werch and Brian Werch; his stepchildren, Anders Burggren and Sanna Schlosser; and his grandchildren: Kerry, Laura, Harrison, Kloe, Fiala and Zuza.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held on September 18, 2022, at 11 am at the M&M Yacht Club in Menominee, MI. The celebration will begin with a 21-gun salute promptly at 11 am with refreshments to follow.

All donations will go directly from GoFundMe to Upper Penninsula Honor Flights.