Schelte “Ted” Couperus

September 19, 1945 - August 3, 2025

A private celebration of life will be held with family and close friends.

Schelte “Ted” Couperus passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, just a few weeks shy of his 80th birthday.

Born in Tzum, Holland, Ted emigrated to the United States in 1948 with his parents and brother Rein aboard the Leerdam, a freighter that carried them from war-torn Holland to a new beginning in America. It was a two-week journey, and—true to form—Ted never really stopped moving after that.

He grew up the country way, raised on dairy farms across Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin, with the family growing by one sibling at each stop: Rex in Indiana, Mike in Illinois, and little sister Tena in Wisconsin. Ted graduated from Dodgeland High School in Juneau, WI and later attended DeVry University in Chicago, preparing him for a long and accomplished career.

Ted quite literally helped build modern America. While working for Honeywell, he installed and oversaw environmental systems in some of Chicago’s most iconic buildings, including the Sears Tower (now the Willis Tower) and the John Hancock Building. One of his favorite stories (and he told it often) was standing atop a skyscraper watching Air Force One fly past at eye level.

His work took him to Prior Lake, MN; Elgin, IL; and Pittsburgh, PA—where he served as a VP for Linc Corporation. But no matter how high he climbed in the business world, he never lost his country-boy roots. Ted was a John Deere man through and through. He made sure his lawn was mowed on a John Deere—and those lines better be straight – just ask his kids about the consequences of crooked lines. He retired to Largo, FL with summers in Beaver Dam, WI.

Though a quiet man, Ted had a generous and capable heart. He didn’t just offer to help—he showed up, tools in hand, and got to work. Whether it was fixing gutters, shoveling snow, or volunteering at food pantries in both Indian Rocks Beach, FL and Beaver Dam, WI, Ted gave his time freely and without fuss.

He was both a Steelers and Packers fan (a conflict he handled with quiet dignity), a devoted neighbor, a steady presence, and a proud family man.

Ted was preceded in death by his beloved wife Pam, and now will be interred beside her in Seattle, WA. He is survived by his children Ken, Cindy, Kristy, and Eric; his siblings Mike, Tena, and Ike; a large and loving extended family including grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, his Dutch family, and countless friends who became family over the years.

As a humble and private man, Ted didn’t want a big fuss. A private celebration of life will be held with family and close friends.

He built things. He fixed things. He helped people. And if you ever mowed the lawn under his watch—you learned how to do it right. May we all live a little more like Ted.

Koepsell Funeral Home

Tante Wijtske uit Tzum

Gerda Couperus

Gerbrig Couperus-Westra (wife of Sjoerd 12/11/2023)

Geert couperus

Sybe and Els

Lisa

Jim Smith

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A private celebration of life will be held with family and close friends.

Schelte “Ted” Couperus passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025, in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, just a few weeks shy of his 80th birthday. Born in Tzum, Holland, Ted emigrated to the United States in 1948 with his parents and brother Rein aboard the Leerdam, a freighter that carried them from war-torn Holland to a newContinue Reading

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Our little pantry in Indian rocks beach just heard about Ted's passing. We are truly Sorry. We would like to donate to a favorite charity of Ted's. I worked personally with Ted on driving & picking & unloading food from Tampa. We never met or had such an amazing man volunteering with us thru the years. There was never a time he didnt step up to do anything the pantry needed! He always had his tools in his truck. We will miss you Ted!! Thank you for your Service!!
Indian rocks beach fl
Connie Curren
Irene Campbell

Family of Ted, you have my heartfelt sympathy. I met Ted while he was walking around our block several years ago while I was painting the trim on my patio. He was such a great guy to talk to. We had many conversations with him. He was proud of his John Deere gator and loved traveling around town in it. I was just shocked when I saw the news. Rest in peace, Ted.

My condolences, I have fond memories of Ted (Schelte). In 2027 he was in Tzum, with his family. It was a wonderful time..

Love, tante Wijtske (wife Omke Eibert)

My sincere condolences on the passing of your dear brother, father and grandfather Ted. We are thinking of you these days.

Gretha Couperus, daughter of Omke Eibert

In memory of Schelte “Ted”
Couperus, Tante Wijtske uit Tzum lit a candle

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so sad to hear of Ted’s passing. We are his neighbors from West Deer for many years . We have many memories of Ted (and Pam) during hay baling season. For many years when they had horses, they came over to help with the baling. When he lost Pam and the horses were gone, he still would come over. He’d hear the sound of the baler, and we’d see him on his ATV, long sleeved white shirt and sun hat. On another occasion, he and his brother Mike participated in the ‘giant pig round up’ - a neighbor’s (enormous) pig got loose and we all used ATVs to coax it back home. Many happy memories of ‘work parties’ with Ted. We missed him when he moved away and we miss him still!

Our sincere condolences on the passing of your dear brother, father and grandfather Ted.
We are thinking of you these days.
We are happy and grateful to have met him in 2017.
Love, Marcel en Greetje
The Netherlands

In memory of Schelte “Ted”
Couperus, Gerda Couperus lit a candle

Condolences to Ted’s family.

Bill & Ted have known each other since age 6 as neighboring farmers in LaMoille, Ill. We send our heartfelt sympathy to all of Ted’s family & friends and especially to Ken, Kristy, and Cindi.

My condolences for the loss of Ted. I wish you much strength

My grandfather will be deeply missed. I was grateful to see him in Florida with his great grandchildren and my mother back in April. Looking forward to his future. I still see you're smile grandpa with my kids, keeping your ears full and keeping footprints all over your carpet walking around the block while the kids ride your bike. Was a beautiful moment. Rest in peace grandpa we all love you.

In memory of Schelte “Ted”
Couperus, Geert couperus lit a candle

TED'S FAMILY AND MINE LIVED ON THE SAME STREET IN WEST DEER ,PA TEDS DAUGHTER CINDY AND MY DAUGHTER JACKY WERE THE BEST AND STILL ARE THE BEST OF FRIENDS..WE DID A LOT OF WORK ON EACH OTHERS HOUSE. HE WAS A GOOD FRIEND AND WILL BE MISSED...SO SORRY....ALWAYS HAD A SMILE.

Expressing my deepest sympathy I hope in knowing other care helps ease the pain of this tremendous loss He was legendary

I worked for Ted many years ago in the 90s and he was a quiet man when. However, he had a hardy laugh and was a kind soul. I remember a time when we had the company picnic at his and Pam's place and it was amazing the way they opened their home up to all of us. I'm so sad to hear that he has passed. He and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

In memory of Schelte “Ted”
Couperus, Sybe and Els lit a candle

Sending loving thoughts to the Couperus family. May your hearts be filled with great memories~

Ted and I would often laugh and quote Betty Davis “Getting Old isn’t for sissies.”
There will never be another Ted. He was not only my next door neighbor, He WAS my Best Friend!
Ted, you touched the lives of SO MANY! You will always have a special place in my heart and you will never be forgotten ❤️‍🩹
I know he would be ok on how he passed - quietly, quickly , little to no suffering, and a burden to no one. He was a very smart, dignified, hardworking, ORGANIZED, and kind soul. He was a helpful man who served others with a heart of gold. Rest in Peace My Dear Friend Ted~🤍 My heartfelt condolences & prayers go out to his wonderful family.

Condolences to Ted’s family. He was a blessing for the Dodge County Food Pantry with his kindness and his help.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

My deepest sympathy on the passing of Ted as I knew him at Linc. He is a true legend and was someone that was admired by everyone that knew him! My he be just as busy in Heaven as he was on earth because he never took much time to rest! God Bless you Ted!

Rest in peace.

My deepest sympathies to Ted’s family. Ted was a an amazing friend and coworker. His influence was felt worldwide and will be missed.

with deepest sympathy.

I am so saddened by Teds passing. I will miss 3 o'clock tea, lively conversation and ready smile.

We so sorry to hear of Teds passing. We move into the Largo neighborhood just under 3 years ago. Ted was one of our first friends. We shared many dinners , laughs and conversations. He will be greatly missed. We are so sorry for you loss. Charlie and Linda

Theo, my name for Ted, was a LINC presence that I continue to embrace. He met Pam through our franchise Puget Sound Refrigeration and married her on Couperus Acres. I was present for that and present when Pam became ill. I saw Theo cry. I loved them both.

We are so sorry for the loss of Ted. It was not that long ago that we saw him in Beaver Dam. God be with all of you in your time of sorrow.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.