Theodore “Ted” Gene Mottaz, 78, of Elmwood, passed away at 6:15 p.m., on Monday, May 11, 2026, at Farmington Village Nursing Rehabilitation Center.
He was born January 19, 1948, in Peoria, Illinois, to Orin R. and Roletta (Dikeman) Mottaz.
Ted married Janet Shortness on December 23, 1970, in London Mills. She survives.
Ted is also survived by two children, Phillip (Rachel) Mottaz of Sun Valley, California, and Emily (Joe) Webel of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Anna, Josie, Amelia, Jack, Mary, and Caroline Webel, and Henry Mottaz; two brothers, Steven Mottaz of Yates City and Jeff (Karen) Mottaz of Elmwood; and one sister, Jeannine (Jim) McCullough of Rio, Illinois.
Ted was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Sarah Marie.
Ted attended ROVA schools and graduated from Yates City High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science from Western Illinois University and began his agriculture teaching career at Carthage High School. From there he was drafted into the Army and served in Vietnam as a combat infantry radio operator in the Central Highlands region and DaNang. He achieved the rank of sergeant and was awarded several medals, including the Bronze Star.
When he returned, he taught agriculture at ROVA High School. He earned a Master of Science from Southern Illinois University, and then taught at Carl Sandburg College, preparing students for both the workplace and for transferring to a 4-year university. He challenged his students to be leaders by being actively engaged at the local and national levels.
In Knox County, he was a member and president of the Farm Bureau, Corn Growers, Soil and Water, Farm Bureau Foundation, and FSA Committee. For Illinois, he held leadership positions in the FFA Foundation, Council for Ag Education, Illinois Association for Community College Ag Instructors, Illinois Association of Vocational Agriculture Teachers, Nutrient Resource Education Council, and Corn Growers. Nationally, he was board member and chairman for the National Council for Ag Education and national delegate and Action Team Chairperson for the National Corn Growers.
He received the Honorary American Farmer Degree, Knox County Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award, Knox County Ag Roundtable Award, Knox County 4-H Alumni Award, and was designated an Illinois Master Farmer.
In his community, he held various offices in the Oneida and Elmwood United Methodist Churches, was mayor of Oneida, and chair of the Elmwood Zoning Board.
He accomplished all this while farming with his father and brother in Knox and Peoria Counties, putting into practice what he taught his students about productivity, innovation, and stewardship.
He spent his life determined to balance agricultural advances with the knowledge that our Earth is finite.
In retirement, he gradually traded his meetings for activities with his children and grandchildren, showing up loyally at all events from musicals to sports and cattle shows.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the Elmwood United Methodist Church. A visitation will be held the night before from 4 to 7 p.m., on Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the church. Burial with military rites will be held at Lyons Cemetery near London Mills.
Memorials may be made to the Elmwood United Methodist Church and the Knox County Farm Bureau Foundation. To leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com. Oaks-Hines Funeral Home and Crematory in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.
