Timothy “Tim” Ronald Tedrow, 60, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully at his farm on Sunday June 16, 2024. Born on October 16, 1963, in Fairfield, Tim was the beloved son of Rex and Karen Haas Tedrow. He spent his early years in the Douds and Libertyville area, graduating from Fairfield High School in 1982. Tim’s life was rich with love, laughter, and hard work, leaving a legacy of dedication and joy that will be remembered by all who knew him.
After high school Tim worked as veterinary assistant with both Dr. Gene Hoy and Dr. Robert Welander and they remained very close friends ever since. During this time he worked construction, but he soon found his calling in the meticulous craft of hand-digging graves with Fred Carter, a skill he honed alongside his lifelong commitment to farming and running his trenching and backhoe. Tim worked with cattle all of his life, at the peak of his agricultural career, he ran a herd of over 100 cows. His professional journey further led him to a 21-year tenure with the Iowa Department of Transportation, where he expanded his expertise through studies in building bridges and engineering. Tim also owned and maintained several rental properties in his free time.
One of Tim’s most cherished endeavors was his 44-year involvement with Old Threshers in Mount Pleasant, where he dedicated his time to maintaining and operating a loader feeding logs to a 54 inch circular saw mill. His passion for mechanics was matched by his love for the great outdoors, with hunting and traveling being among his favorite pastimes. However, it was the time spent with family and friends that truly brought Tim joy. He was known for organizing Sunday gatherings throughout Southeast Iowa and relished the camaraderie of his monthly card club with former classmates. Tim enjoyed attending services at Mount Moriah Church.
Tim’s journey through life was shared with his loving family. He married Sherry Ludwig in May 1982, and although their paths later diverged, the union was a significant part of his story. In 1997, Tim’s heart was captured by Mary Sirdoreus, and the two were married on May 9, 2003, in a ceremony aboard a retired sister ship to the Titanic, set against the scenic backdrop of the Florida coast.
Tim’s memory will be treasured by his six children: Randy Tedrow of Douds, Eric Wade Tedrow (Jennifer) of Fairfield, Ashtine Stickles (Ryan) of Richland, Rodney Tedrow (Jill) of Fairfield Eric Lee Steward of Bondurant, Chad Steward of Ottumwa and Dean Sears “Tims favorite son”. His legacy will live on through his ten grandchildren, with an eleventh expected in November (he had a special nickname for each of them) who will grow up hearing tales of their grandfather’s strength, humor, and kindness. Tim is also survived by two sisters, Marie Tedrow (Jake Saner) of Douds and Grace Korkee Tedrow of Mt. Pleasant, and a host of other distant relatives and friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rex and Karen, a sister, Joleen Tedrow and in-laws Clarence and Thelma Sirdoreus.
Funeral services to celebrate Tim’s life will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday June 20, 2024, at Cranston Family Funeral Home, with Pastor Danny Cary officiating. The service will be followed by burial at Mount Moriah Cemetery in Douds with Dr. Gene Hoy officiating cowboy church graveside. Visitation will begin at 2:00 PM on Wednesday June 19, 2024 with the family present to receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com. Memorials in Tim’s honor may be directed to the Make a Wish Foundation and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to the family at 2385 Mint Blvd, Fairfield, IA 52556. The family would like to encourage friends to bring items to put in the casket with Tim that make their friendship special to them.
Tim Tedrow’s life was a testament to the enduring power of love, hard work, and community. His spirit will continue to inspire those he touched, and his memory will be carried forward with every steam whistle, every harvest, and every cherished gathering of loved ones.
