Obituary
Everett “Ted” Ledman
Everett “Ted” Ledman, 88, retired his whistle on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at his home in West Salem surrounded by loved ones.
Ted was born on “3-9-37” in Gays Mills, Wisconsin to Mary (Sommars) and Darwin Ledman. He graduated from Viola High School in 1955 and earned a bachelor’s degree from La Crosse State University in 1960 with a double major in physical education and history. He spent the next thirty one and a half years teaching and coaching in the West Salem School District (Ted took a semester sabbatical to test drive retirement). After that successful test drive, Ted officially retired and enjoyed a second career running excavating equipment with his dad. He also liked woodworking, hunting, ping pong, pumpkin ball, golf and puttering at his cabin.
In 1957, Ted married Jean Buros, his high school sweetheart. They spent their married life in West Salem where they raised four kids. Ted and Jean enjoyed sixty eight years of cabin life, casinos, and travel with lifelong friends.
Ted is survived by his wife Jean; son Mark (Jeanie); daughters Marsha and Jenny; son-in-law Mike (RoseMary); grandchildren Michael, Mark (Morgan) and Nikki (Brent); great grandchildren Madison (Schuyler), Bryn, Devin (Brianna), Danielle (Gavin), Dylan (Cate), Archer, Decker, Brooklyn and Kaylee Jean; great great grandchildren Cirilla, Colter and Sadie; brothers Larry (Barbara) and Dick; and in-laws Judy, Jerry, Jim (Therese) and Laura. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Ted is preceded in death by his parents Darwin and Mary; parents-in-law Marvin and Adah; daughter Heidi; brother Jim; sisters Patty and Connie; nieces Cindy and Cathy; nephew Ron; and in-laws Judy (Ron), Rhonda, and Ron.
Ted’s family wishes to thank Hospice Touch for the wonderful care provided to Ted and his loved ones.
Lastly, as Ted himself put it “Ted died.”
A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with a short program beginning at 11:00 a.m. The celebration will be held at The Gathering Place, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska WI 54650.
Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family at this time.
Everytime I meet up with a West Salem graduate Ted’s name affectionately comes up. One of the good guys for sure. He was a respected colleague and reliable friend. I wish to express my sincere sympathy to family and friends.
my prayers are with all of you! Wonderful teacher!
Many good memories and life lessons learned under his guidance. His gentle sarcasm is legend among my peers! I trust he lived life to the fullest. Mr. Ledman was a man’s man. My sympathy to his family.
Coach Ledman was a significant early mentor in my teenage life. I hadn’t thought of attending college, but with his encouragement, I did and it changed my life.
God bless you, Coach.
Ted was in many ways larger than life. He made a big difference in the lives of many students over his legendary teaching and coaching career.