Theodore (Ted) Clintsman passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026 at Mount View Care Center in Wausau. He was 91 years old.
Ted was born in Greenwood, WI on July 8, 1934 – the 5th of 6 siblings. In his 20's, he moved to Waukesha, WI and worked at various factories. In 1972, he and his family moved to Wausau, WI. After working at Wausau Iron Works / LOED as a machinist and assembler for 20 years, he decided to open a used furniture and appliance store – Budget Resale. There he not only could pursue his passion for sales and working with his hands; he could also chat with his customers – something else he enjoyed.
When not at his store, Ted faithfully met with his buddies for coffee and for a swim at a therapy pool. He was friendly and talkative – quick to greet others and, as he used to like to put it, "give them grief". He also loved spending time up at his camper in Tomahawk and later, Birnamwood – where he spent most of the time relaxing by the campfire and socializing with other campers.
In 2014, when Ted decided to close Budget Resale for good, the local paper interviewed him. In that article, he talked about his joy in serving and visiting with his customers and his sales philosophy: "be fair with people and treat them like you want to be treated". That was Ted –was how he operated his business and who he was as a person.
Ted is survived by his sons, Gregory (Judy) and Douglas (Linda), by his grandsons, Justin (Rebecca), Sean (Meghan), Evan (Phoenix), and Daniel (Taryn) and by his sister Nell. Preceding him in death were his parents, Fred and Luella Clintsman, his sisters Marie, Irene, Shirley, and his brother, Dale.
A visitation will be held at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 600 Stevens Dr, Wausau, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 12, at 10:30 am until the time of service at 12:00 officiated by Pastor Eric Hauan.
Family and friends are invited to share words of remembrance and condolences online at www.honorone.com.
