Beloved Local Soccer Figure Dies From Coronavirus Complications

ILLINOIS — A beloved figure in the local youth soccer community died Tuesday due to complications from the coronavirus. Theodore "Ted" Ruzbasan, 82, was born in Indiana Harbor, Indiana, raised he and his late wife's family in Palatine, before moving to Mundelein and then to Grayslake where he resided in Saddlebrook Farms, according to his obituary from Burnett-Dane Funeral Home.

"Ted will be fondly remembered by many as a youth soccer coach, referee and referee assignor as he was actively involved in youth soccer for approximately 50 years with the YSSL and IWSL soccer leagues," Ted's obituary states, according to his family.

When he wasn't at the soccer field, Ted worked over 35 years as a data processor for Walgreens before recently working as a starter at the Wynstone golf club.

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He was preceded in death Marylou, his wife of 54 years, sister Joanne, daughter-in-law Lori and two grandchildren, according to his obituary. He is survived by a dear friend, his five children, 11 grandchildren, three great grandchildren, two siblings, nieces and nephews.

Acc0rding to Burnett-Dane Funeral Home, a private funeral mass for Ted's family will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary of the Annunciation Church, 22333 W. Erhart Road in Mundelein, followed by a drive by visitation in the parking lot of the church, from 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Internment will be at Ascension Cemetery, and there will be a Celebration of Life with restrictions for the coronavirus are lifted, the funeral home said.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Memphis, TN 38101.

More information: The Burnett-Dane Funeral Home in Libertyville.