Theodore "Ted" Callis

Theodore “Ted” Callis passed away on October 16, 2021 at Sage Meadow in Fond du Lac. He was born on August 31, 1931 in Fond du Lac, WI to Mary and Spyro Callis, who immigrated from Greece. In 1950, he graduated from Fond du Lac High School, having excelled in varsity sports including basketball, football and track. He started dating Tina Kalabolas in High School and they were together for over 75 years. They had three children (Maria, Lisa, and Jim). Ted was a life long member of Holy Trinity Greek Othodox Church.



Ted attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in math education and participating in the Air Force ROTC program. Ted and Tina were married on June 5, 1955 and moved to Harlingen, TX where he proudly served in the Air Force. Ted continued to serve his country in the Air National Guard at Truax Field in Madison, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He began his career at Madison East High School as a math teacher and worked as a guidance counselor until his retirement in 1988. While at Madison East for over 30 years, Ted developed and coordinated post high school educational and career programs, helped initiate the Diploma Completion Program, taught driver’s education, and served as a military liaison for interested students. Ted also pursued his passion of athletics as a football, basketball, and golf coach and was inducted into the East High Sports Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin State Golf Hall of Fame.



After retirement, Ted and Tina spent winters in Clearwater Beach, FL, which was a meeting place for many family gatherings. Ted enjoyed countless rounds of golf with his buddies in both Clearwater and Wisconsin. He loved walking the beaches and stopping to listen to bands playing at oceanfront hotels. He was also known to show off a few dance moves on occasion.



Ted’s last year and a half was clouded by dementia but he never lost his zest for living and his love for family. The family is grateful for the cherished caregivers at Sage Meadow and their outpouring of love, hugs, acceptance, and humor over the last several months. Appreciation is also extended to St. Croix Hospice staff for their compassionate end of life care and support.



Ted was preceded in death by his daughter Lisa in 2019. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Tina, his daughter Maria and son-in-law Mark, his son Jim and daughter-in-law Laura and his grandchildren Zoe and Daphne.



A visitation will be held at 12:30 PM, followed by the funeral service at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 22, 2021 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 198 North Macy Street, Fond du Lac, WI. (Please wear a face mask during the visitation and church service). Burial will take place at Rienzi Cemetery.



Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com