Theodore “Ted” Dobrovolny, 96, passed away surrounded by his family, Thursday, June 4th at the Mountrail County Bethel Home in Stanley, ND.
Theodore Dobrovolny was born on August 2, 1929, to Anton and Mary Dobrovolny in Stanley, ND. Ted was raised on a farm in Debing Township along with his brother Jerry. After their father passed in 1959, Ted & Jerry took care of their mother until her passing in 1977. Ted was very proud of his Czechoslovakian heritage and spoke the language fluently until the very end.
Ted attended a country school through the 8th grade and then went to work on the family farm. He continued to farm and ranch until he was 80.
Ted served in the Army from June 19, 1951, to May 27,1953 and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War. During his time there he worked as a carpenter. He was honorably discharged as a PFC.
Ted was a Debing Township tax assessor for many years, on the FSA County Office Committee, the Ross Elevator board, a member of the American Legion and was an active member of the honor guard. Ted was an avid bowler and spent many Tuesday nights with his bowling league. He also was a member of the Swing & Twirl Square dancing club.
Ted enjoyed photography, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and especially the neighborhood get-togethers playing gin rummy, visiting and an occasional “blast”. And was always up for a “spin around the block” to see what was going on in the neighborhood.
Ted and Jane had their first date on December 31, 1979, where they went to Ben’s Restaurant in New Town, Poncho’s and ended up at Duane and Bev Fretheim’s place. They were engaged on March 3, 1980, and married on June 12, 1980. Even though they didn’t have children together, he raised Carmen and Cammi as if they were his own. They gave them a wonderful home to grow up in. Ted and Jane were then blessed with two sons-in-laws, five grandkids and their spouses and ten, soon to be 11 great grandkids. Ted was always busy working or fixing something, but he always made time for his family.
Ted is survived by his wife of almost 46 years Jane, daughters Carmen (Troy) Westby and Cammi (Chad) Hysjulien. Grand children Zachary Westby, Carissa (Wade) Decker, Seth (Madison) Westby, Cole (Lauren) Hysjulien and Carsten (TJ) Edwards. And great grandkids Clay, Rhett and Trace Decker, Clark Westby, Braelynn, Kinsley, Presley and Elle Hysjulien, Lydia, Nora and Baby Edwards (due any day).
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Anton and Mary, brothers Jerry and Eugene, sisters in law, Judy Cvancara and Lori Moore, brother-in-law Jack Cvancara. And many cousins and friends.