Rev. Theodore E. Elser, Sr., age 95, of Dagsboro, DE went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025 while surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his own home.

Ted was born in Chambersburg, PA on October 25, 1929 son of the late Robert Elser and the late Dora Elizabeth (Saunders) Elser.  He graduated from Chambersburg High School and shortly thereafter proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1949-1952 during the Korean War.  After Ted's honorable discharge, he graduated from Goshen College in Indiana and then went to Gettysburg Seminary.

Pastor Ted was ordained in 1959 and continued his ministry in the United Methodist Church until his retirement in 1993.  His ministry spanned from Pennsylvania to Maryland to his last appointment at St. George's United Methodist Church in Clarksville, DE.  Pastor Ted then served part time from 1995-2007 at Carey's United Methodist Church in Millsboro, DE and Millville United Methodist Church in Millville, DE.

Pastor Ted served the Lord constantly with his ministry and loved reading God's word and faithfully studied daily devotionals.  He enjoyed traveling, riding his bike around his community in Blackwater Village, woodworking and carpentry.  Ted will be remembered for his love of the Lord and his devotion to his congregations, family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his eight siblings, Louise Elser, Robert Elser, Dorothy Elser Ramsey, Jack Elser, Nellie Elser Birdsall, Mary Elser Gamble, Martha Elser Misner and John Walter Elser.  He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Barbara Azud Elser; five children, Linda Elser Brown (Clyde), Jeanne Elser-Frank, Theodore Elser, Jr., James R. Fraccaroli, Jr. (Kristin) and Peter D. Fraccaroli (Alicia); nine grandchildren, Rachel Tiqui (Randall), Nicole Elser, Jayme Elser, Ryan Fraccaroli, Reid Fraccaroli, Nate Fraccaroli, Jack Robinson, Katherine Fraccaroli and Jason Brown; four great grandchildren, Ethan, Elias, Aryah and Leila; a sister-in-law, Yvonne Corwell Elser and many nieces and nephews.

A service to celebrate the life of Rev. Ted Elser will be held at 11 AM on Friday, March 28, 2025 at Millville United Methodist Church, 36405 Clubhouse Rd., Millville, DE 19967, where friends and family may gather after 10 AM.  Interment will follow at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Millsboro, DE.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Ted's name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963 or Millville United Methodist Church at the above address.