Theodore Elmer Dyer

Theodore Elmer Dyer

Theodore “Ted” Dyer, 82, passed away from natural causes at his home in Pleasant Hill, Iowa, on Thursday, January 13, 2022.

Ted, born on August 6, 1939 in Des Moines, Iowa to Jim and Madeline Dyer, was the youngest of 7 children. He graduated from East High School and was a proud member of the Booster Club and “Class of ‘57” alumni. Ted met his bride, Joann, and knew she was the only girl for him. They were married during a snowstorm on February 17, 1961 which set the tone for their next 60 years together. Shortly after, they welcomed their 2 children, Barry and Brenda, and they quickly became the center of his universe.

He was a gifted salesman and remembered everyone he ever met. After working in a variety of sales jobs, he displayed his entrepreneurial spirit by forming Arrow Signs. A leader in the Iowa sign industry, Ted served as President of the Iowa Sign Association, and was also a member of the National Electric Sign Association. “Work Hard, Play Hard” was his motto. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, Director of the local council of the Boy Scouts of America, leader of the Greater East Side Development, a council member of the local Elks Lodge, and board member for Des Moines General Hospital.

Ted was always surrounded by a large circle of friends and family. He had a way of seeing the positive in any situation and had a smile that was contagious. He loved going to the grocery store – not to buy groceries but because he knew he’d bump into a friend every time he went there. His generosity was sincere, and he never turned away from an opportunity to help someone in need.

His hobbies included racing go-carts with his brother-in-law in his younger days, coaching his kids Grandview Little League teams, golfing, cheering for East High or SE Polk (where he was awarded 2020 “Fan of the Year”) and followed the KC Chiefs as an avid fan. He considered his friends family, and he loved when people stopped by to visit, play a game of cribbage and have a cup of coffee. He looked forward to big family gatherings and all the chaos they created.

Ted is survived by his cherished wife of 60 years, Ellen Joann Dyer; son, Barry (Annette) Dyer, Overland Park, KS; daughter, Brenda Gustafson (Rich Kreitzinger), Pleasant Hill, IA; brother Ralph (Bert) Dyer, Elysian, MN; his grandchildren, Chaz Gustafson (Amber Wessels), Lindsay Dyer, Chance Gustafson, Grant Dyer and Camryn Kreitzinger; and numerous “grandchildren” who are not connected by DNA, and they know who they are.

Please join us as we celebrate the life of this amazing man on Saturday, January 22 at Oakwood United Methodist Church, 400 NE 56th, Pleasant Hill, Iowa, 50327. Visitation and viewing will be held from 10am-noon, with the funeral service beginning at noon. A luncheon will follow. The service may also be viewed online at: OakwoodLife

In lieu of flowers, please consider a financial donation to the Ted Dyer Memorial Fund. Memorial contributions will be split among several of Ted’s favorite charities. Checks may be made payable to the Ted Dyer Memorial Fund and mailed to Wells Fargo, 1055 NE 56th St, Pleasant Hill, IA 50327.

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