Rev. Herbert Tegeler
Rev. Herbert L. Tegeler, 94, of Cascade passed away Thursday, March 19, 2020 after a lengthy illness at the Shady Rest Care Center. Due to the current coronavirus concerns, a private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Earlville with burial at St. Patrick Cemetery in Winthrop. A public Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.
Fr. Tegeler was born September 22, 1925 at Dyersville, the son of Leo and Veronica (White) Tegeler of Dyersville. He attended Lamont High School. He graduated from Loras College and took his Theological training at St. Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, IN. Fr. Tegeler was ordained May 16, 1953 at Christ the King Chapel, Loras College by Rev. Archbishop Leo Binz.
He served as an associate pastor at various churches throughout Iowa, including St. Patrick’s in Tama and St. Boniface in Garwin from 1953-1956; St. Aloysius in Calmar from 1956-1957; Blessed Sacrament in Waterloo from 1957-1959; St Patrick’s in Colesburg from 1959-1960; St. Mary’s in Waverly from 1960-1965 and Sacred Heart in Dubuque from 1965-1969. Also during that time he taught Theology at Beckman High School in Dyersville.
He was appointed pastor of St. Joseph’s in State Center from 1969-1973 and Immaculate Conception in Elma from 1973-1980. In 1980, Fr. Tegeler joined the team ministry in Mason City, where he served for five years. He was named pastor of Immaculate Conception in Lansing in 1985. In 1993, he was named moderator of ACCW, Decorah Deanery. In 2000, he became pastor at St. Joseph’s in Earlville until his retirement October 1, 2010.
In his free time, Fr. Herb enjoyed pheasant hunting, going skiing with his nephews and nieces, bicycling, going for walks, playing golf until his 90s, and was always up for a good card game of 500. Throughout his priesthood Fr. Herb was always a soldier for Christ. His priority was for his parishioners and for the people who touched his life. This brought him great joy and remarkable peace. He thanked God each and every day of his life for his many blessings.
He is survived by his sister, Margie (Joe) Simms Stano of Denver, CO; a niece, Pam (Pat) Geraghty of Cedar Rapids; a cousin, Dr. Tom White of Cascade, who were his caregivers; and numerous nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews throughout the country, from Florida to Texas to Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Richard (Teresa), Harold (Dorothy) and Dr. Wayne (LaVonne) Tegeler; a sister, Thelma Broemmel; and a brother-in-law, Jim Simms.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Shady Rest Care Center and Hospice of Dubuque, especially Courtney, for the care and kindness shown to Fr. Herb and his family.
Please share a memory of Father Herbert L. Tegeler at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.
