Theodore "Ted" Blotsky

Theodore “Ted” Joseph Blotsky, 91, died Friday, April 3, 2026 at CHI St. Alexius Hospital. He had been a resident at Edgewood Mandan at the time of his death. A commital service will be conducted at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery on Thursday, April 9 at 1:00 PM.

Ted was born February 17, 1935, was raised, and received his early education in Grant County. He graduated from Flasher High School.

To follow on of his dreams, Ted joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955. After a four-year stint, he returned to civilian life and worked at St. Alexius Medical Center.

A recruiter convinced Ted to re-enlist in the U.S. Air Force with a promise that his duties would include assignments in foreign countries. He re-joined the Air Force and then for the next 17 years he was stationed at Air Force Bases in country and abroad.

In country, he was stationed at Tavis AFB, Calif., March ARB, Calif., Malstrom AFB, Mont., Dover AFB, Delaware and McChord AFB, Washington State.

His assignments to Air Force Bases in foreign countries were at Tuli, Greenland for one year, Paris, France for four years, Vietnam for 18 months, Athen, Greece for three years, Thailand for two years, and then Clark AFB, The Philippines.

Ted received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Air Force in 1980 with a rank of Master Sergeant after having served his country for 22 years. His experience with the Air Force inspired him to continue his education after his return to civilian life.

During the next 20 years, Ted earned an associate degree in Humanities at Bismarck State College, a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from Moorehead State University, and a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the North Dakota State University. While working towards these degrees, he also studied German, French, Latin and Greek.

Ted is survived by sister, Katherine Hoff, Phyllis Lentz, Eva Giese and LaVerne Emineth; brothers, Rev. Hugo and Jerry.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cornelius and Salamea (Volk) Blotsky, Bernice Rafferty, Bill, Pauline, Ray and Bernadette.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in memory of Ted be made to the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.