Theodore Aarstad, 67

Theodore M. Aarstad Sr., 67, of Spirit Lake, Idaho, passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021, surrounded by family.

Theodore, who went by Ted, was born to Theodore J. Aarstad Jr. and Helen Hicks Aarstad in Kirkland, Wash., on April 20, 1954. He was the biggest baby born that year at 11 pounds, 8 ounces. Ted grew up in Kirkland, Wash., the second to the youngest child of five.

In 1977, he moved to Duvall, Wash., where he started his family. He was a proud Union Roofer since he was 17 years old until he retired out of the Local 54. Ted loved his family foremost, but also enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, and dancing. In 2010, Ted and his wife Lynn retired to Spirit Lake, Idaho.

Ted was very generous and always willing to help someone out if they needed it, regardless of how long he had known them. He was an amazing Dad, was absolutely adored by his children, and would always get a twinkle in his famous blue eyes when he was being playful, which was often.

Ted was also well-known for the gold cap on his tooth that he got as a child after a bicycle accident with his older brother Mitch. He was a great man who always believed in doing what was right and is already greatly missed by all who knew him!

He leaves behind his loving wife of 35 years, Lynn Taylor Aarstad; five children: Shari (Kim) Geist of Clarkston, Wash., Don Wycoff (Kristine) of Monroe, Wash., Dorlynn (Jason) Bates of Monroe, Wash., CW3, USA (Ret.) Theodore Jr. (Gina) Aarstad of Newton, Ala., and Rondi (Brian) Malwin of La Porte, Ind. He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his stepmom Audrey Aarstad of Bainbridge Island, Wash., brother Rick Tapia of Bellevue, Wash., and Sister Carla Tapia of Wisconsin.

Ted was predeceased by mother Helen Hicks, his father Theodore J. Aarstad Jr., his sister Mary Aarstad Pettifer of Kirkland, niece Angela Pettifer of Monroe, and his brother Mitch Tapia of Spirit Lake.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements and online condolences can be made at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Hayden, Idaho, Eagles Lodge.