Arthur Theodore (Ted) Omtvedt

Arthur Theodore Omtvedt passed from this life on July 27, 2015. Ted was born on February 3, 1926, in Pocahontas County, IA, to Arthur R. Omtvedt and Johanna Johnson Omtvedt.  After his completion of Pocahontas High School, Ted joined the United States Marine Corps where he proudly served his country. Upon his return home in 1948, Ted married the love of his life, Harriet Ellen Ekstrand, on July 3. The couple farmed from 1948-1963 when they moved to Ardmore, OK. Beginning in 1963, Ted enjoyed many years at American Flyers, Inc., doing what he loved most as a flight instructor. In 1974, he and Harriet were able to pursue another interest while running El Palacio Restaurant in Norman. It was in 1991 when Ted made his home in Pawnee, where he and his love, Harriet, would celebrate their 50th and 51st years together.
Ted enjoyed gardening and woodworking, and he was a founding member of the Pawnee Water Garden Club. In the 90s, he volunteered seasonally to decorate the Pawnee Bill Mansion. Ted genuinely enjoyed flying.  He took great pride in his military service and his woodworking.  He was also proud  that he passed these two passions down to several of his grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  In 2005, Ted met and married Alice Willmore Chapman, with whom he shared almost a decade of love, laughter, and companionship.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Harriet, two sisters, Alois Omtvedt Eisenhauer, and Beverly Omtvedt, great-grandson, Elijah Malik Omtvedt, and great-grandson, Liam Alan Chapman. He is survived by his wife, Alice, of the home, son, Daniel Omtvedt, of Baytown, TX, son, Arlyn Omtvedt and wife, Sue, of Estherville, IA, and daughter, Carol Omtvedt Clymer, of Pawnee; grandsons Lucas Omtvedt and Marcus Omtvedt, both of Baytown, TX, grandson Aaron Omtvedt and wife, Carol, of Waseca, MN, granddaughter Jill Omtvedt of Sioux City, IA, grandson Wesley Clymer and wife, Nicole, of Pawnee, granddaughter Amanda Chapman and husband, Alan, of Pawnee,  granddaughter Kelsey Clymer of Norman, OK., and sister Bonnie Stemme of Richfield, MN. Ted was able to see the entire next generation of his family in great-grandchildren Ava and Stella Omtvedt; Vivia, Xavier, and Kingston Omtvedt; Cade, Claire, Mason, and Sophie Clymer; Dorcas, Spencer, Kayden, Cheyenne, and Gracie Chapman. Though Ted has parted from this earth, a glimpse of his crooked smile can be seen in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom he loved dearly.