Theodore "Ted" Charles Dusseau

Theodore Charles Dusseau wore many hats in his 93 years of life. He was a son, born to Charles and Marjorie (Blessing) Dusseau on December 16, 1929. He grew up on a salvage yard, in Lenawee Junction, Palmyra, Michigan, the home of the original Dusseau Auto Parts. It was in this salvage yard, that a young Ted started tinkering with cars around the age of seven or eight, taking them apart and putting them back together again. This skill proved to be invaluable as he later would open a salvage yard of his own located on Treat Hwy in the year 1950. This yard carried the same Dusseau moniker and was also one of the staples of the Treat Hwy Automotive Mile. It was here where he fostered many friendships and where he conducted business working side by side with his two sons, Steve and Dan. The business has withstood 73 years of an ever changing car industry. Up until a couple months ago you could still find Ted behind the counter in the shop giving orders to his sons. If he’d had his way, they would be open today. Running a successful business would not be enough for Mr. Dusseau. He believed in his community and he believed that Lenawee County was a great place to live. He wanted to ensure that it stay a great place, so public service became his calling. He started his political career serving on the Madison School board from 1968 to 1974, serving as the president for one year. He moved on from that to serving as the Madison Township Supervisor for 16 years. He spent many years as a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, where he was the Grand Master of Michigan for one year. His values and strong conservative beliefs led him to become an active participant in the Lenawee County Chapter of the Republican Party, serving as the party’s chairperson for thirty plus years. This past February, Ted was given an award for his many years of service to the party. It was well deserved. It goes without saying that Ted was many things to this community. His no nonsense business persona was well known by all who worked closely with him whether they were wheeling and dealing over a car part or creating a plan to bring the water treatment plant to Madison Township. However, he was so much more than what he gave to the public. To us, he was a father, a grandfather, a great grandfather, and a great-great grandfather. Ted’s family brought out a softer side to his tough exterior. He was a jokester, telling the kids tall-tales like how he fought in the civil war. He loved to poke fun waiting for a reaction. Once caller ID became a thing, he would answer the phone pretending to be a pizza place if he knew it was one of us. Ted had a sweet tooth. He loved his sweets…there was never a time where you couldn’t find Pecan Sandies shortbread cookies, mini candy bars or M&Ms in the pantry. He loved sports, especially baseball. He announced football games at Madison School for over 30 years. He was an umpire for many years, calling the shots from behind the plate. He loved watching Westerns, with the sound barely audible. I could go on and on, he simply loved life. He loved his family and we loved him. The accolades are many but they meant very little compared to the family that he cherished. He could not have achieved any of this without his wife of 74 years, Glenaleen Lavell (Holden) Dusseau. It was with her that they created the legacy that sits before us today. Along with his wife, Ted is survived by his children, a son Steve (Ruth) Dusseau, his daughters Rebecca Liedel and Kathleen Cremeans, and his daughter-in-law Deb Dusseau. His grandchildren Deanna (Matt) Dusseau-Garno, Seth (Cassiday) Dusseau, Tommy (Nguyet) Flowers, Denise Dusseau, Devin (Matt) Dusseau-Bates, Melissa (Alex) Shively, Daniel (Lisa) Dusseau II, Ryan (Emily) Cremeans, Liz (Luke) Spencley, and Alex Cremeans. His 25 great grandchildren, and his two great-great grandchildren. I would be remised if I didn’ t mention Grandma’s caregivers, Michelle Linares and Jenae Garza, without them we would not have been able to get through the last six months. You don’t live 93 years without experiencing great loss. Theodore was preceded in death by his parents, his son Daniel Dusseau, his son-in-laws Keith Cremeans and Lawrence Liedel, his granddaughter Julie Dusseau, and his great granddaughter Isabella Rose. Ted’s 93 years of loving life ended on May 1, 2023, with his wife holding his hand. He never left her side, and she never left his. Their love is what we hold onto as move forward. Our hearts are broken, but we find peace knowing that we will be reunited one day in the Kingdom of Heaven. Often, times when you would end a call with my grandpa, he would respond to our “ I love You’s” with “Very Good.” I would like to say to my grandfather today, you lived an amazing life, you were successful, you loved, you lost, so until I see you again, “Very Good, Grandpa, Very Good.” Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2023 from 1 to 6 p.m. at Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian; with the funeral service beginning at 6 p.m. There will be a private burial at Palmyra Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lenawee Humane Society or Jasmynn’s Voice. Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.

Theodore "Ted" Charles Dusseau

December 16, 1929 - May 1, 2023