Ted Zetterberg Obituary

Ted Zetterberg attended Rex Putnam High School in Milwaukie, OR. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about Ted Zetterberg.

Graduation Year	Faculty
Date of Passing	Dec 15, 2015
About	Ted Zetterberg Sept. 29, 1932 - Dec. 15, 2015 Ted Zetterberg, 83, husband, father, grandfather, mentor, friend, coach and runner, crossed the finish line on December 15. Born in Silverton, Ore., to Floyd and Leona Zetterberg, he grew up in Willamina fishing the streams of Yamhill County. He graduated from Linfield College, where he met his wife of 61 years, Marilyn Henderson. They married in 1954. After teaching in Oakland, Ore., and Willamina, he completed his career at Rex Putnam High School in the English Department. While he was there, he spent more than 20 years coaching cross country and track and field. He was a three-time nominee for national coach of the year, and earned the title of Boys Coach of the Year for the state of Oregon in track and field in 1975. He continued to volunteer at meets for many years after retirement. Ted was an avid fly fisherman, especially at Hosmer Lake with his friends Don McCluskey and Jim Gant. He enjoyed family time at Black Butte Ranch and Sunriver, and spent his retirement traveling the world with with Marilyn and long-time friends. Particularly memorable was a month spent in Africa. After retiring, Ted competed as a runner and race-walker until the recent past. He was also an active member of the Milwaukie Presbyterian Church, most recently helping with its groundskeeping. Survivors include his wife, Marilyn, daughter Alison Oliver (Ty), son Scott Zetterberg (Christine), grandchildren Claire and Reed Oliver, Barrett and Grace Zetterberg, and sister Betty Davis of Sweet Home. Thanks to Jeff Shilling for his devoted care, and to the exceptional staff at the Oatfield Estates Adams House. Remembrances may be made to Milwaukie Presbyterian Church and the Rex Putnam High School Staff Scholarship Fund.

Classmate Memories

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Jeff Miller '74 said:

I still think of Ted when I do my routine of running 3 miles. He taught me how to run properly and somehow instilled a lifelong joy in running for pleasure. TZ, as we called him, was also one of most pleasant and positive adults I ever spent time with as a student. A decent man who gave me hope.

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