Teddy Hayes
Teddy Duane Hayes, 82, of Webster City, Iowa, died April 8, 2026, surrounded by family after a ten year, plus, battle with dementia. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at MAC Life Church in Blairsburg, with lunch to follow. (www.fosterfuneralandcremationcenter)
Born September 17, 1943, he was the youngest of ten boys born to W. L. and Blanche Hayes. Teddy graduated with his beloved Webster City High School Class of 1962. He attended Iowa Central Community College before being drafted into the United States Army in 1965. He served during the Vietnam conflict, deploying overseas for nearly thirteen months. Teddy was a proud member of American Legion Post 191 in Webster City.
On August 31, 1965, Teddy married his high school sweetheart, Geraldine “Jeri” May Hayes. Their marriage was a beautiful example of lifelong love, partnership, and devotion. He loved his wife very dearly and cherished every moment with her.
Teddy served his community as a volunteer firefighter for 40 years. He worked as a pipeline welder and fabricator for a local gas utility company. An avid sports fan, he was especially loyal to his favorite teams–the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Webster City Lynx. He often proudly declared that his Webster City high school football team was the best the town had ever seen.
Teddy was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Webster City and MAC Life Church in Blairsburg. He led Sunday school classes and served on various church boards. He lived by the principle of respect and placed the highest importance on faith and family.
He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 61 years, Jeri Hayes of Webster City; his children, Matthew (Tracy) Hayes, Brandon (Charity) Hayes, Joa (Trent) Rolffs; and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Mara Hayes (fiance Jonathan Senker), Holland (Josh) Backlund and daughter Brynley, Bria Hayes (fiance Drew Rapley), Hunter (Miranda) Hayes and their children Beckett and Remi, Harrison (Adalie) Hayes and daughter Charlotte, Addison Hayes, Henry, Brooks and Emaline Rolffs; brothers-in-law, Eldon (Judy) Pigsley, Ivan (Carol) Pigsley; sisters-in-law, Jan Hayes, Bev Hayes, and many nieces and nephews who he adored.
Teddy was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Vern and Emaline Pigsley; his nine older brothers–Harlan (Marilyn), Clifford (Dorothy), Bob (Glenda), Gary (Alice), Steve, Roger (Teressa), Clifford (Dorothy), Leroy (Karen), Russell (Connie), and Gene; sisters-in-law, Norma Kleuver, Carolee Pigsley and Carolyn Dilley (Dean).
Teddy lived a life defined by faith, family, and country. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.