Theodore “Ted” R. Dobrick, 91, died Dec. 10, 2012, at his residence on County Road A, Elkhorn. He was born Aug. 15, 1921, in Nekoosa, the son of the late William C. and Mary (Novak) Dobrick Sr.
He graduated from Elkhorn High School. On Aug. 26, 1943, he enlisted in the US Army Air Force and was a fighter pilot with the 36th fighter group, flying over 95 missions in the European Theater in a P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter where he attained the rank of Captain. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal 13 times, and four Battle Stars. He was discharged on Dec. 10, 1945. On March 16, 1944, he married the love of his life, Lorraine G. Pontel, in Victoria, Tex. She died Nov. 8, 2005.
He was a lifelong farmer in the Tibbets area. He and Lorraine owned and operated Harmony Hill Farm for over 50 years, where they raised their three children. He held a commercial pilots license and enjoyed flying with his family on vacations in his Cessna 170-B.
He was a member of the Bethel United Methodist Church, served on the Elkhorn School Board for 12 years and was President of the Board in 1972, a former board member of the Consumers Co-op, and belonged to the Janesville War Birds.
He is survived by his three children, Marilyn (Alvin) Susina of Elkhorn, Robert Dobrick of Elkhorn, and Jerry Dobrick of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; two grandchildren, Shari (Dan) Strickhouser of Elkhorn, and Ron Stephan of Kenosha; a great-grandson, Kevin Strickhouser; two sisters, Doris Geiger of Rockford, Ill. and Florence (Charles) Monk of Pecatonica, Ill.; and his brother-in-law, Bruce Houghton Sr. of Elkhorn. He is further survived by a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Lorraine; two brothers, William and John; two sisters, Louise Houghton and Irene Dobrick.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13, at Millard Community Covenant Church, N6713 County Road O Elkhorn, with the Rev. Joyce Rich officiating. Visitation will be Wednesday 4 p.m.-7 p.m. at Haase-Lockwood Funeral Home, 730 N. Wisconsin St., Elkhorn and Thursday at the church from 10:30 a.m. until time of service. Burial with military rites will be held at Heart Prairie Cemetery.
Memorials may be made in Ted’s name to Bethel United Methodist Church.
Haase-Lockwood Funeral Home is assisting the family. An online guest book is available at www.haaselockwoodfhs.com.
