Teruo (Ted) Masada

Ted (Teruo) Masada, 90, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on September 23, 2017 of complications from Alzheimer's.

Ted was born March 30, 1927 to Kyo and Teisuke Masada in Fresno, California. In 1943, the family was forced into a WWII relocation camp in Arizona. After the war, Ted enrolled at Fresno State, earning his degree in biology and psychology. Ted then enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he gained specialized training in medical laboratory technologies, including blood banking, diagnostic blood chemistries, and x-ray imaging.

After military service, Ted moved to Kimball, Nebraska to help the county hospital establish its first medical laboratory and blood bank. During his first year in Kimball, Ted met and fell in love with Rita Petersen. They married on April 30, 1959. Together, they have three children: Christopher, Natalie, and Jennifer. Spending time with family was a priority for Ted, and many happy memories were made sledding, fishing, ice skating, boating (including building his own kayak), and making summer trips to see family in California.

Serving as the head of the Kimball County Hospital lab and x-ray department for over 50 years, Ted worked to grow and improve the lab, keeping abreast of the newest research in hematology to serve many patients in the community, including assistance with emerging therapies for conditions such as childhood leukemia. Ted was active as an elder in the Presbyterian Church, served on the Kimball County School Board, served on the board for the Kimball County Manor, and was a member of the Masons.

In 2003, Ted and Rita moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where they have enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.

Ted was preceded in death by mother Kyo and father Teisuke, sister Chizuko (Masada) Tsukida, and brothers Yoshio and Harold. Ted is survived by Rita, his beloved wife of 58 years. He is also survived by his son Christopher and daughter-in-law Erin (Ritter) Masada; daughter Natalie Masada; daughter Jennifer Masada and son-in-law Kirk Corey; granddaughter Megan (Masada) Freeman, grandson-in-law Matthew Freeman, and great granddaughter Samantha Freeman; grandsons Nicholas Masada and Daniel Masada; and grandsons Alexander Masada Corey and Lucas Masada Corey. Ted is also survived by many loving relatives in California, including cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Family, friends, neighbors, and colleagues remember Ted's healing presence, calm grace under pressure, adherence to high standards, and his ability to serve others with compassion and without judgement. Most of all, Ted treasured life and loved his family, embracing us all with wisdom and great humor.

Services will be held at 3:00 pm on September 30, 2017 at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street in Lincoln, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to the Alzheimer's Association for research. Condolences: http://www.bmlfh.com