Theodore "Ted" Harris

Theodore Charles Harris, age 86, of Viroqua, passed away peacefully on July 9th, 2026, surrounded by family. Ted was born on April 26th, 1940, to the late Charles and Winnie Harris in Mineral Point, WI. After graduating from Mineral Point High School in 1958, Ted graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education (1963) and a Masters in Media Technology (1974). Ted married Elizabeth “Libby” Huggins on June 27th, 1964. They had three children, Anjie, Andrew, and Aaron and they settled in Viroqua, WI.

In his lifetime, Ted wore many hats in a variety of different career fields. Ted was a proud employee of the Viroqua Area School District for 36 years. Over those nearly four decades, he served as a Middle School Science Teacher and Media Director before ultimately becoming the High School Principal in 1997. He retired from public education in 1999.

Ted was also a passionate athlete, coach, and official. As a player, his accomplishments included being a WIAA State Track Champion and State Record Holder in Low and High Hurdles (1958), as well as a four-sport, 16-time letterwinner at Mineral Point High School in Football, Basketball, Track, and Baseball (1955-1958). While at UW-La Crosse, he was a 4-year letterwinner for football (1959-1962). Ted went on to share his love of sports as part of his career path, as Viroqua's City Recreation Director for 11 years. He also coached middle and high school football, baseball, track, and wrestling.

His impact on Wisconsin sports extended to officiating collegiate and high school wrestling, football, and baseball. He umpired High School State Baseball Tournaments and was named Wisconsin Umpire of the Year in 1987. He also officiated Collegiate National and State Wrestling Tournaments, earning the NFIOA Outstanding Official in Wisconsin award in 1986. His legendary contributions to the sport led to his induction into the George Martin Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1993 and the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Wisconsin Chapter) in 2000.

In addition to education and athletics, Ted protected his community through a lifetime of firefighting, law enforcement, and EMS service. He served as an EMT for Tri-State Ambulance, a part-time patrol officer for the Viroqua Police Department, and a part-time Deputy for the Vernon County Sheriff’s Department for 36 years. A dedicated first responder, he spent 28 years on the Regional Hazardous Materials Team, 15 years as a Training Officer for the Viola Fire Department, and 17 years as a Hazmat Specialist and Instructor for the Middleton Fire District. He joined the Viroqua Fire Department in 1976, eventually serving as Fire Chief, and was incredibly proud of his 50-year legacy within the firefighting community. Throughout his emergency service, he was also a Fire Science Instructor for Western Technical College, Southwest Technical College, Madison College, and the State of Wisconsin. He has mentored firefighters throughout the country.

Ted is survived by his wife, Libby; three children, Anjie (Todd) Ostrem, Andrew (Kathy) Harris, and Aaron (Rochelle) Harris; and nine grandchildren, Alexandra (Jordan), Caleb (Kiersten), Jack, Quinn, Peyton, Anna, Easton, Isabelle, and Nicholas. His family will deeply miss him and always remember him for many traits including his sense of humor, unwavering loyalty, and generous spirit. They are incredibly grateful for the time they shared, the lessons he taught them, and they remain in awe of the countless lives Ted touched through his work in teaching, sports, and emergency services.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Viroqua Area Foundation for scholarships to honor Ted’s legacy of supporting students after high school; Middleton Fire Company No.1; Viola Fire Department; Viroqua Fire Department; or the Viroqua Legion Baseball Team.

A Celebration of Ted Harris's Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the Viroqua High School. All who knew and loved Ted are welcome to attend. Following the service, an emergency services processional will be held from the high school to the Viroqua Fire Department, where a reception will take place. All emergency personnel are encouraged to wear their uniforms. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, at Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua. Online Condolences may be expressed at www.vossfh.com.

RSVP Request: To help make planning for the family easier, it would be beneficial to know how many people are planning on attending the Celebration of Life (11 AM - Viroqua High School), reception (12:30 PM - Viroqua Fire Department), and to fulfill Ted’s final wishes, there will be a post-reception for beer and libations at Eckhart Park, 500 W Decker Street, Viroqua. The family understands that plans may change, and this is not a final RSVP commitment. Please feel free to fill out one form for your family or your group (there is no need for everyone to fill out a separate form if you are attending together).

RSVP: Please fill out this Google form if you are planning on attending any (or all) of the events.

Voice Message Request: Theodore “Ted” Harris was larger than life, and we are profoundly privileged to have been in his company. To honor a wonderful life lived to the fullest, we are collecting voice memories to share at his upcoming celebration event, held at Viroqua High School on August 15th. If you have a favorite story of Ted, a lesson he taught you, or a message for the Harris family, we invite you to share your voice. Simply click the link below, press record, and speak from the heart—no tech skills required. Ted’s circle was wide, and many who loved him may not be on Facebook. Please help us spread the word by forwarding this link to his former colleagues, students, and friends so every voice can be heard.

VOICE MESSAGE: Please use this link to record your message.

Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home in Viroqua is serving Ted’s family.

123 W. Decker Street

Viroqua, WI 54665

(608) 637-2100