Ted Jafferis

Major Ted C. Jafferis USAF Retired, 94, of Overland Park, KS, died December 2, 2015 at Bickford Assisted Living.  He was born October 15, 1921 in Madison, Wisconsin to Christ and Antonia Jafferis. Ted graduated from Madison Central High in 1939. He participated in orchestra, cheerleading and was the sports editor.  After high school he enlisted on July 9th, 1940. He met his beloved Rosie in Madison and they were married on June 29th, 1946. After completing 22 years of a distinguished military career, which included pre-Pearl Harbor, WWII, Southwest Pacific Theater and within the continental United States, as a Weather Officer. He retired on August 1, 1962. He continued his studies at the University of Wisconsin – Madison and graduated in June, 1965.  Ted began his second career as a meteorologist with the U.S. National Weather Service from 1964-1983. He was involved with the Knights of Columbus, Reserve Officer Association, Military Order of World War II and Retired Officer’s Association. He was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. During his retirement he continued to enjoy daily crossword puzzles, reading, wood-working, weather-watching, skyping with family and friends and cheering on his Badgers.  A strong, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ted was devoted to his family which also included his many nieces and nephews.  Ted was preceded in death by his wife, Rose Martinelli, two brothers, Tom and Nick Jafferis and his grandson Grant Gottschalk. He is survived by his eight children: Jim (Marilyn) Jafferis, Cindy (Jim) Oskroba, Deb (Mike) Molumby, Teresa (Ray) Seeber, Pete (Joanna) Jafferis, Chris (Heidi) Jafferis, Mary (Karl) Barnett, Jeanne (Tom) Gottschalk; 16 grandchildren & 13 great grandchildren.  A mass of Christian burial was held on December 7, 2015.  Long range forecast: sunny; as Ted and Rosie are reunited.  OPA!  Donations can be made in his name to University of Wisconsin Foundation US Bank lockbox P.O 78807 Milwaukee, WI 53278

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