Thaddeus "Ted" F. Setla Iii

Thaddeus “Ted” F. Setla III, age 47, of Northville, passed away unexpectedly on May 18, 2021. He was born December 2, 1973 in Detroit, Michigan; son of Thaddeus F. Setla II and Leslie Kline. Ted graduated from Lewis-Palmer High School in Monument, Colorado, class of 1992. He was united in marriage to Gina Velarde on July 21, 2001; devoted to each other and their family for over 20 years.

Ted had a variety of careers. He began working as a paramedic in California and was known for his compassion and attentiveness; after 10 years Ted chose a different career path and followed his passion. Ted was a cinematographer, a visual storyteller, an editor, a cannabis advocate, and an educator; his professions were his hobbies.

Ted took his film making skills to the next level with his creativity. His boundless energy led him to create Setla Films. Whether he was making a player or team video, a training video or documenting the EMS experience, he was dedicated to use his vision to capture the human event, never playing it easy, but instead filming the essence of the subject. Most recently, Ted used his cinematographer and visual storyteller abilities to create amazing player and team videos for Northville High School. His talent was not only requested by other high schools, but there were colleges who needed his enthusiasm and professionalism to produce videos. Ted was an entrepreneur and self-titled high-level dreamer. His latest business he began was Wicked Root Hemp Company; using his inventiveness he created a product to help others. His careers were his hobbies, and he poured his heart and soul into all his projects. The Positivity Project influenced Ted and invested countless hours helping children and the organization through video. The Positivity Project is a non-profit organization that provides schools with resources, training, and strategy to teach positive psychology’s 24-character strengths and empower students to build positive relationships. Ted was dedicated to his children and loved them unconditionally. He was a funny, thoughtful, kind, and generous husband, father, son, brother, and friend. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Ted is survived by his wife Gina; his children, Nyia Setla, Livvy Setla, and Thaddeus “TQ” F.  Setla IV; his father Thaddeus F. Setla II; his mother Leslie Glover; his sisters, Tiffany Krout and April Setla; his brother Jason (Erika) Setla; his father-in-law Rodolfo Velarde; his mother-in-law Rebecca Velarde; his brother-in-law Jason (Jenelle) Velarde, and his nieces, Joslyn Velarde, Elisa Velarde and Sofia Setla.

The visitation will be held Thursday, May 27, 2021 from 2-8pm at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 West Dunlap, Northville. While there is a maximum number of people allowed in the funeral, there will be tents with tables and chairs for those who want to stay and show their continued support for the family next door on the green space at the American Legion.

The funeral mass will be held Friday, May 28, 2021 at 11am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 133 Orchard, Northville. OLV does require attendees to wear a mask. A graveside service will follow at All Saints Cemetery, 4401 Nelsey Road, Waterford Township, MI. Please arrive by 1 pm just inside the gate of the cemetery. The Celebration of Life reception will be held on Friday, May 28, 20201 at 3:30 pm at the Morrisey Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Family of Ted Setla, 122 West Dunlap, Northville, MI 48167.

If you are unvaccinated, we are asking visitors to wear masks and practice social distancing. If you are experiencing signs of cold or flu like symptoms, please refrain from attending. You may be asked to wait before entering, thank you for your patience and understanding.