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Submitted: 6/18/23 • Approved: 6/23/23 • Last Updated: 6/26/23 • R275115-G275115-S3
Section 5th add on
Theodore “Ted” Belbas
August 20, 1929 – February 25, 2023
Ted Belbas, age 93, a lifelong resident of Sioux Falls, passed away on February 25, 2023, in La Quinta, California, where he was wintering. Ted enjoyed excellent health until the end, when his heart simply gave out. He was born in Sioux Falls, SD, on August 20, 1929. His parents, John and Helen Belbas, were both Greek immigrants from small villages on the Peloponnese peninsula. He was one of nine siblings. As a young teen during WWII, he made money selling newspapers to the troops at the military airbase in Sioux Falls. He graduated from Washington High School in 1947. After high school, he served in the United States Army, stationed in Washington State. His military skills involved being a fast typist and being assigned to be a Jeep driver despite having never driven a car nor having a driver’s license. He joked that he fought with valor at the Battle of British Columbia. After military service, he attended South Dakota State University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in pharmacy. His first job was at Dow Drug; shortly thereafter, he opened his own store, Sioux Valley Drug, located at 18th and Grange next to Sioux Valley Hospital. This business was later moved down to 18th and Minnesota and merged with Dow Drug to become Dow Sioux Valley Drug. Later, the store moved around the corner on South Minnesota Avenue (into the old Dixie Bake Shop) and became Dow Drug and Gift. Ted hired many young people, including his nephews and nieces, to work in his store as stockers, delivery drivers, and cashiers. In this role, he served as a consummate professional, mentoring and teaching life skills to these young people, who revered him. The back room of the drug store was a famous gathering place for his many friends. He was an expert skier in the early days of skiing and enjoyed many trips to Terry Peak in the Black Hills, Aspen, and Vail. He enjoyed vigorous racket ball games at the Y with rotating groups of friends. Ted enjoyed international travel, especially to Greece, Europe, and as far away as China. Ted was never married, nor did he have children, but he was everyone’s favorite uncle. He enjoyed his siblings and would attend family weddings and gatherings no matter the distance. He has many lifelong friends in Sioux Falls and around the country that he has enjoyed and remained loyal to till the end. In recent years, Ted has enjoyed spending time with and traveling with the extended family of Daniel and Juliet Everist. An image of Ted to remember is him driving his 1960 Mercedes 190SL convertible, smiling, with the top down and not a care in the world.
He is survived by siblings, George and Helen Belbas, Dean Belbas, Olympia “Bea” Kustas; many nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Tom Belbas, Amanda Belbas Andrew and husband Nick, Peggy Belbas, Theresa Belbas Clemons and husband Melvin, and Kathy “Poppy” Belbas Griffith and husband Denny; brother-in-law, William Kustas.
Ted is especially thankful for the medical care and friendship of Dr. Eric Larson, for the daily visits from Barb Jamtgaard while in California, and to Helen Beth MacArthur for the care she provided Ted during his stay in the desert this winter.
Contributed on 6/18/23 by 9katz
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Record #: 275115