Theodore "Ted" Pihlman

Theodore L. Pihlman, 75, of Moose Lake passed away peacefully on August 19th after fighting cancer for over 3 years. Ted was born in Duluth, MN to Dewey A. and Marian (Brown) Pihlman. In 1952, the family moved to Silver Twp. in Barnum, followed by moving to Moose Lake in 1959. Ted's early years of auto body repair began with his employment at Arrow Chevrolet in Duluth. He started Ted's Body Shop shortly thereafter and in his later years, Ted's Auto Glass. Having been a local business owner for over 40 years, Ted was a highly recognized member of the Moose Lake community. He was known by many for his friendly demeanor, always greeting people by their first names, having a great sense of humor, and being the teller of some really bad jokes.

Ted was a public servant for many years, first as a Moose Lake City Councilman, followed by serving several terms as Carlton County Commissioner. Ted had great investment in the growth and development of Moose Lake and greater Carlton County. He served his constituents well, always taking the time to answer questions or listen to concerns.

Ted had a great love for his country and took pride in serving with the Army National Guard from 1963, until retiring in 2001, having achieved the rank of First Sergeant (E8). Ted was also a member of the American Legion, proudly serving with the local Honor Guard since 1983.

Throughout much of his life, Ted was an active outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing and hunting. As an accomplished marksman, Ted was often the first one to get a deer each season. Ted served on the Grand National Rifle Team, in addition to earning numerous trophies for trap shooting. In his later years, Ted spent countless hours restoring his John Deere tractors. Nothing brought him more joy than driving his latest masterpiece in the 4th of July parade.

Ted is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law: Julian Stokke, and his sister: Rita Butterfield.

He is survived by daughters: Lisa Matuseski & her husband Tracy and Lana Newman and her husband Keith. Ted is also survived by his special friend, Barbara Hedin; sister: Kathy Stokke; brother: Dewey; granddaughters: Nissa (Phil) Thumann & Jenna Matuseski; grandsons: Keith Newman & Kyle Newman; nephews: Brian (Sheila) Butterfield & Terry Stokke; nieces: Melanie (Greg) Litchy, Tammy (Eric) Peterson, Tracy Stokke, Roseanne (Dave) Anthony, Katie Pihlman, and Emily Pihlman; along with great nieces and nephews.

A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held at Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home on Thursday, August 25, 2016 beginning at 5 pm and concluding at 8 pm with Military Honors by the Moose Lake American Legion. Private family inurnment will take place at a later date.