Protsman, Teressa 'Teddy' J.

Teressa “Teddy” J. Protsman, 79, a resident of the Meth-Wick Community, died there Monday, Nov. 9, 2009. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in Kenwood Park United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Laura Smith to officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Survivors include two daughters, Sue (Gary) Gable of Denver, Iowa, and Mary (Steve) Odegaard of Hiawatha; sister, Jan (Harold) Armentrout of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Jessica Johnson of Hiawatha, Carrie (Matt) Proctor of Littleton, Colo., and James Odegaard of Hiawatha; two great-grandsons, Samuel and Caleb Proctor; brother-in-law, Dick (Arlene) Smith; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and sister, Connie Smith.

Teddy was born May 19, 1930, in New Hampton, the daughter of Russell and Leota Reinhart Erion. She was raised in Fayette where she graduated from high school, and later received her Teaching Degree from Upper Iowa University. She married James R. Protsman on May 31, 1953, in Fayette. He died in 1972.

Teddy taught English in Monona, Shell Rock, and Dysart before moving to Cedar Rapids in 1958, and began raising their family. After Jim passed away, she spent many years as a school secretary at Kennedy High School and is a member of their Hall of Fame. She was a long time member of Kenwood Park United Methodist Church where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the UMW. She was a member of PEO Chapter DK. She enjoyed cooking, baking, mysteries, word games of many kinds, and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a person without complaint.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in her name can be made to Kenwood Park United Methodist Church, The Meth-Wick Community, St. Luke's Hospice, or the Kennedy High School FPA.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Protsman family on our web page, www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.