Theodore “Ted” Scholtz passed away on October 11, 2026, at the age of 86. He was the husband of Shirley (nee Farmer) for nearly 53 years and proud father of Joe (Ellie), Jeff (Jenny), John (Estee), and Khrissy (Louie), and "Grampy" of 10 grandchildren he adored.

Ted lived a life of adventure, hard work, and interest about the world around him. A proud veteran of the United States Navy, he served during the Cuban Missile Crisis and participated in the naval blockade of Cuba, and also was assigned to the Navy ship ordered to pick up John Glenn from his orbital flight in 1962. Ted's time in the Navy was just one chapter in a lifetime of adventures that began early, including hitchhiking around the country as a teenager.

After leaving the Navy, Ted was a builder for Steel King, where he continued his travels around the country to build structures, primarily gas stations. After working as a foreman for Steel King, Ted returned home and took over his father's business to become the longtime owner of Scholtz Heating and Air Conditioning in South Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He took pride in his work and in the business he built over the years.

Ted's active and adventurous spirit extended beyond his working life. An enthusiastic hobby pilot, he flew his Grumman aircraft, affectionately named Bluejay, out of his hangar at East Troy Airport. Ted provided flying lessons to all four of his children, with three going on to solo and two going on to receive private pilot licenses. He also was a sailor, spending countless hours on the waters of southeastern Wisconsin. From Lake Denoon and Waubeesee Lake in his younger years to Lake Geneva later in life, with his family, sailing remained one of his great pleasures – evidenced by his joy in watching his grandchildren learn to become accomplished sailors as well.

Those who knew Ted will remember his love for storytelling. He had a seemingly endless collection of stories, often recounting his youthful adventures hitchhiking across America or his experiences as a young sailor serving his country. His stories offered glimpses into a life well lived, filled with fascinating historical facts, memorable experiences, and colorful characters.

Ted's stories also often involved food: meals he missed, meals he loved, and even the first time he ever ate pizza in 1958, while stationed in Boston. His love for food carried over to his annual support of the Milwaukee Rescue Mission at Thanksgiving, wanting to give a delicious meal to anyone in need.

Even in his last decade of life, Ted continued his active lifestyle: building a pier and a fishing platform for his grandkids, snowplowing in the winter, visiting with friends at the Burlington Wellness Center or Waterford McDonald's, and enjoying quiet days on his deck, watching birds and visiting with family. We will miss his familiar form at the rocking chair by the window, bistro table on the deck, and the swing overlooking his lake property.

Ted was preceded in death by his grandson, Alexander Thomas, sister, Betty, and brothers, Jack and Bob. He leaves behind a beautiful family legacy, a lifetime of memories, and stories that will continue to be shared by those who loved him. We were so lucky to have him, we will miss him dearly, and we will remember his adventurous spirit any time we see an airplane or a sailboat. Tennyson's "Ulysses" describes Ted well: "I am a part of all that I have met."