Walter Teslow
Walter H. Teslow, age 98, of Decorah passed away Saturday, July 31, 2021 at Wellington Place in Decorah. Funeral Services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, August 5 at Glenwood Lutheran Church in rural Decorah, with Rev. Stacey Nalean - Carlson officiating. Burial will be in East Glenwood Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday, one hour before the service, at Glenwood Lutheran Church.
Walter Hilman Teslow was born to Albert and Hilda (Lovstuen) Teslow September 14, 1922. He was baptized and confirmed at Glenwood Lutheran Church. Walter rode his horse, Babe, to the Bell School, a one-room school he attended in Union Prairie Township. Walter married Lorraine E. Stortz January 24, 1945 at Glenwood Lutheran Parsonage, and, with Lorraine at his side, farmed the family farm in Allamakee County where they raised their three children. They actively farmed from 1945 to 2007. Tragically, he had to endure the loss of his son, Michael, at the tender age of 10.
Walter had farming in his blood - he was a farmer’s farmer. He loved the smell and feel of the soil and took care of the land. Even after losing his hand in a corn picker accident in 1948, he continued farming with gusto. No one could outwork Walter - he raised and fed out hogs, dairied and did some custom work off the farm. Walter believed that you should work smart and give 110% of yourself no matter what you do. International Harvester was his tractor of choice throughout his farming career. Walter sold AgriPro Seed from 1986 until 2000. As a dealer, he won many sales awards and earned several trips, which he and Lorraine enjoyed.
Walter held tight to his faith, family, farm and friends. Walter was a lifetime member of Glenwood Lutheran Church. He served on many committees and was a member of the Lutheran Brotherhood. Walter played in the church’s dartball league and always enjoyed taking tickets at the annual lutefisk supper.
Walter enjoyed fishing and boating on the Mississippi, family picnics and vacations. For many years in the summer, he played in the neighborhood croquet game every Monday night. Walter was known to enjoy a good card game with friends or family and enjoyed a couple of stays in Las Vegas with Lorraine.
His Grandma Lovstuen taught him to play cards at an early age when he visited her in town during the summers of his youth. Walter and Lorraine loved to dance and attended local dances regularly. They also traveled to Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin to dance at Molly B’s Polka Party. Walter and Lorraine also enjoyed trips to Branson, MO to see Daniel O’Donnell perform.
Over the past 25 years, Walter looked forward to the annual June fishing trip to Canada with Lorraine and their son, Dean. He loved the scenery, wildlife and especially the peace and quiet. Walter always caught his share of the fish and usually came out ahead in the card games at night.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 74 years, Lorraine, April 25, 2019; his son, Michael; his brothers, Stanley Teslow and Lester Teslow; his sister, Arlene Matter; and a step-great-great-grandchild, Penelopie Bagnaud.
Walter is survived by his children, Barbara (Eugene) Sanderman and Dean (Mary) Teslow; his grandchildren, Jeff (Dawn) Sanderman, Brian (Kim) Sanderman, Daniel (Mandie) Sanderman, Hollie Teslow, Abbie (Kelly) DeGregorio and Natalie Teslow; his great-grandchildren, Caleb and Caitlin Sanderman, Hannah and Claire Sanderman, Taryn and Tegyn Sanderman, and Aoife DeGregorio; his step-great-grandchildren, Tayla (Stephanie) Begnaud, Kyle (Chelsea) Begnaud and Kody (Shelby) Begnaud; his step-great-great-granddaughter, Annabeth Begnaud; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Walter’s family requests that in lieu of flowers or gifts, memorials may be given to the Glenwood Lutheran Cemetery Fund, 1197 Old Stage Road, Decorah, IA 52101.
Fjelstul Funeral Home in Decorah is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.fjelstul.com.
