Theodore Card

Theodore (Teddy) Card, age 81, passed away on August 27, 2019 at Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa. Teddy was born on March 4, 1938 in Staples to Peter L & Lucille (Dickenson) Card, Sr. At the age of 7, Teddy’s biological mom passed away. Teddy and his siblings went to live with their father and stepmother, Ruby. He went to Catholic grade school and Staples High School. Teddy was the 3rd child in the Peter Card Sr. Family which put him smack dab in the middle of Dad’s projects. He played key roles in building one of the largest buildings in Staples. The building began as Cards Auto Wrecking and sold to the Staples school district in 1962, known today as the Freshwater Building. The building also housed all the school buses for the Staples school district. Teddy spent many long hours waiting for the buses to get back from late routes. The buses were cleaned out, refueled, and drove inside the building for the evening. In 1962 the Cards Auto Wrecking was moved to Warner Road. For the next 57 years, Ted was part of the family team that made Cards Auto Wrecking one of the largest salvage yards in the five states. Everyone knew Teddy. Teddy knew that everyone who walked in the door needed help and was asked “what’s your troubles?” He could help you fix your car, fix your tires, and remind you that you never brought back his 9/16 socket. Teddy’s favorite part was when a customer needed that special hard to find part that nobody else has and Teddy knew he had it. With a big smile he would reply: “Yep I got it and know where it is at too.” Ted was the keeper of all the keys to all the doors, gates and at one time 4000 cars. Teddy in his own way was a teacher to us all. If it was learning to tie your shoe, riding a bike, changing your first tire, or going into the Yard with Alan when it was -20 below, he was by our side every step of the way. He was always willing to lend a hand no matter what the task. Teddy showed kindness when we all needed it and ready to laugh with everyone. The most important gift we learned from Teddy was patience. In later years, when you would call the junkyard, Teddy would answer the phone with a very loud “CARDS”. You always found Ted “holding down the chair” or putting too much wood in the famous wood stove and topping off lunch with “a little shut eye”. Teddy had a great sense of humor, loved a good joke, and had a heart of gold. Longtime friends were always greeted with a hearty “Mr” followed by their last name. He loved talking old time and loves the Lord. In 2015 Teddy decided to retire. He enjoyed BINGO, music, art and reconnecting with old friends. In recent month one of Teddy’s requests were to go back to the Yard and help Alan. Teddy is survived by his brothers: Peter L Card, Jr of Staples, Alan (Linda) Card of Motley; sisters: RoseAnn Bonin of Dallas TX, Maxine Fouks of Germany and Marlene (Bob) Reeck of Staples; numerous nephews and nieces. He is preceded in death by his biological mother, Lucille Card (1945), father, Peter L Card, SR (1995), and stepmother, Ruby Card (2013). A celebration of Teddy’s life will be held on September 8, 2019 from 2-4PM at Cards Auto Wrecking, 27593 Todd Line Rd. (Warner RD) Staples, MN. Interment will be at Evergreen Hill Cemetery, at a later date. In lieu of flowers we ask you to become aware and join: Autism Speaks; SPARKS (Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge) www.SPARKforAutism.org