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!
in life, it seems to me, we are occasionally lucky enough to cross paths with people who greatly influence us through their courageous mentorship.
“Mr. Ledman” , through his utterly calm assertiveness and example, no doubt helped countless young men attain more of their potential in life. His greatest and perhaps most meaningful lesson for me was that there are things in life larger than us.
Thank you Mr. Ledman, peace and understanding to the many who love you!
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.
Ted was an Intimidating figure but a good dude. I liked him very much as a teacher. My sympathies to the family.
So sorry for you and your families loss Marsha! All our sympathies and thinking of you during this difficult time!
My kids have fond fun memories of Ted . They have stories about what a great man he was . Being a Ledman that’s a given . My dad was Basil Ledman so we’re distant cousins .
Love to all the family !
Our deepest sympathies. Ted and Bill Riberich sent me down a lifelong path. I showed up for freshman football meeting. They pulled me aside and said I was too small and would get hurt but if I wanted to support the team they had an idea. They set up the education for me to be the first student athletic trainer in 1970 and launched a career path. Thanks Coach!!!
In life, it seems to me, we are occasionally lucky enough to cross paths with people who greatly influence us through their courageous mentorship.
“Mr. Ledman” , through his utterly calm assertiveness and example, no doubt helped countless young men attain more of their potential in life. His greatest and perhaps most meaningful lesson for me was that there are things in life larger than us.
Thank you Mr. Ledman, peace and understanding to the many who love you!
There are teachers that teach you a lot about “The three R’s” and there are teachers that build character. Mr. Ledman was the latter.
His legacy will be fondly remembered by all that knew him!
he was a great teacher and a coach. all my children had him as a teacher.
he alwas knew you and had that great smile and time to talk.
I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the Ledman family. I had the pleasure of working with Ted in the early 70s. We didnt agree on a lot of things in the political realm , even after some spirited discussion but he certainly was a person for me to emulate on many things. He and that broad smile will be greatly missed,
A Great teacher and all around great guy. We’ll all miss you.
I send my deep condolences to the family — I was in many classes with Mr. Ledman’s son, Mark, and I have many fond memories of them both. Mr. Ledman, Ted, was a true inspiration and role model.
As I mentioned on a fb post he was “Ledmandary”. From meeting him in the mid 60’s as a kid and running the neighborhood with Mark, to shagging footballs for his varsity teams, until I played for him he was a great mentor. A man of honor, integrity, and ethics. He was pragmatic with a good sense of humor and taught you how to take your lumps and get back up. Had some good conversations few years back as we agreed on a lot. Will never forget our ping pong battles in H.S. Condolences to the family. He will be remembered and missed.
My sincere sympathy to all the family! I worked with Ted at high school 8 years& he was a well-respected teacher & coach, “A quiet man who carried a big stick”. A trusted friend to faculty & students, he set an outstanding example. He will be missed!
Marsha, Mark and Jean, all….. your dad was a remarkable man. I’m privileged to have served WS along with him and you. Hugs to you all as you navigate his earthly loss and celebrate the joy we share having known him.