Teddy Ray La Rue, 77, of Bloomfield was called home to be with the Lord November 11, 2026 at his home.
He was born February 11, 1949 in Ottumwa to John T. and Mary Jane La Rue Sr. In 1972, Ted married Helen Schlarbaum and they had 2 children, Jeremy (Deb) La Rue and “Punky” Natasha (Brian) Schafer both of Bloomfield. They later divorced. In 1991 he married Tamara “Tammy” Dye and added three more children to his family, Kevin (Angel) McElfish, Misty (Joey) Kibbee and Brice (Emily) McElfish.
A 1967 graduate of Cardinal High School, Ted served in the US Army from 1968 until 1970, serving 1 year in Vietnam.
He enjoyed working with his hands and found pleasure doing handyman work for others.
Surviving is his wife of 35 years, Tamara; their children; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Tom La Rue, Larry La Rue, Donald La Rue and John La Rue Jr.; sisters, Ruby Ehret, Angela Skinner, Tammy Robertson, Mary Ann Clark; and his precious dog, Pooky.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Marilyn McElfish; and a brother, Ronald La Rue.
A special thank you is expressed to Compassus Hospice and especially Kirya Louth and Amanda Collins for their treatment and care while Ted was in hospice care.
A memorial service will be held Sunday, November 22nd at the American Legion in Bloomfield with military honors at 11 a.m. with a memorial service and a meal to follow until 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to his wife, Tamara or made to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 78 of Bloomfield for the Ted La Rue Memorial Fund which has been established to help other veteran families.
