Edward Pratt Foley III

Edward Pratt Foley III (“Ted”), age 88, of Traverse City, peacefully passed away on July 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with dementia. Ted was born on January 15, 1937, in Traverse City to the late Edward Pratt Foley Jr. and Margaret (Altonen) Foley. He was raised in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, where he graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1955. A lifelong learner, Ted believed deeply in the value of education and worked hard to put himself through school. He earned a degree in Education from Central Michigan University in 1959. Two weeks following graduation, on June 13, 1959, Ted married Karen R. (Schubert) Foley at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. This union was a loving partnership that spanned more than six decades. Ted began his professional work by teaching Junior High School Industrial Arts in Bridgeport, Michigan, for two years. While raising a family and building his career, he pursued further studies—earning a degree in Industrial Design from the University of Michigan and later a master’s degree in design from Wayne State University. His design education opened the door to a long and successful career that spanned working as an artist, furniture designer, and eventually landing at Chrysler Corporation where he worked as a draftsman and later played an integral role in the design of Chrysler Tech Center. He remained at Chrysler for 30 years until his retirement. Faith and service were central to Ted’s life. He was an active member of Central United Methodist Church and gave generously of his time to his community. He was a member of the Grand Traverse Bay Kiwanis Club, served as a Boy Scout Master for Troop 1000 in West Bloomfield, and volunteered at both the Dennos Museum Center and the Grand Traverse Heritage Center. Ted was a loving, patient and caring husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son. The best way to describe him was as the consummate gentleman. A true creative, he observed more than he spoke, his kindness was felt in the way he looked at you and by how he took the time to listen and not just react. He was a tough Michigander and a hard worker that never complained–a testament to his Finnish heritage. He found joy in the outdoors as an avid fly fisherman, cross country and downhill skier, and sailor. Family camping trips around the US and Canada created some of his happiest memories, with Northport, Michigan, holding a special place in his heart. He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Howe, in 2024. Ted is survived by his loving wife, Karen Foley; daughter, Cathie Foley of Truckee, California; son, Edward Pratt Foley IV and wife Virginia of Northport, Michigan; and grandchildren Christian, Aimee, Anika, and Edward Pratt V (TJ). He is also survived by his brother-in-law Richard Howe; sisters-in-law Helen Johnson and Mary Link; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at Central United Methodist Church Chapel on Saturday September 13th at 11:00 a.m., followed by a private family burial at the Leelanau Township Cemetery. Contributions in Ted’s memory may be made to Central United Methodist Church of Traverse City or the Dennos Museum.

Edward Pratt Foley III

January 15, 1937 - July 30, 2025