August 31, 1932 – November 9, 2024
MOLINE – Jim Teske, age 92, of Moline, Ill., died Saturday, November 9, in Moline. Visitation is Friday, November 15, at First Lutheran Church, 1230-5th Avenue, Moline, from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by funeral services at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately following the services. Burial will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Wendt Funeral Home is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
Jim was born August 31, 1932, in Iowa City, Iowa. He was the biological son of Marge Tallman and was adopted immediately by Al and Agnes Teske, who raised him as their own. He married Elaine Clauson in 1950. She died in 1995. He later married Judy Hugaert. She died in 2004.
Jim joined his father and mother in the business of Teske Seed and Feed Company. They sold the company in 1960. He then became the service manager for John Deere Harvester Works. In 1971, he went to work for Smith Filter Company and retired in 1988 as Vice President of Sales.
Jim served in the U.S. Marine Corps as an Honor Guard. He was a 60-year member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Moline, having served on the church council and as lead usher and on various subcommittees. He was a graduate of the Dale Carnegie Effective Speaking and Human Relations program. His early life was fully devoted to the Junior Chamber of Commerce. He served as Moline President, State, and National Director and was a Junior Chamber International Senator. Through the Junior Chamber of Commerce, he was presented as Outstanding Young Man of Moline. One of his fondest memories while involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce was the year he and his wife, Elaine, accompanied Miss Illinois, Suzanne Johnson, to the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City as chaperones. He was a member of Plus 60, AARP, and Moline American Legion Post #246. He was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Moline.
Jim was a life member of the Valley of Moline Masonic Lodge #1014, Scottish Rite of Moline, and the Kaaba Shrine in Rockford.
In 1982, Jim located his biological mother and seven siblings. Always with total love for his Mom and Dad, Al and Agnes Teske, he maintained a good relationship with his biological family.
Survivors include sons, Jeff (Rhina) Teske, West Des Moines, Iowa, and Mike (Peg) Teske, Westmont, Ill.; daughter, Gerie (Jim) Meier, McCormick, S.C.; sisters, Judy Hyde and Beth Krogman, Clinton, Iowa, and Barb Havens, Canal Fulton, Ohio. Jim also had four grandchildren, Donovan, Jimmy, Seth, and Daron; six great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his life partner of nearly 20 years, Mrs. Max Leonard.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wives, Elaine and Judy; four sisters, Alberta Johnson, Margie Pete, Nancy Giles, and Carol Struve; two brothers, William Teske and Donald Tallman; and several aunts and uncles.
Memorials may be made to the Christian Friendliness Association, which was founded by his mother, Agnes Teske, or the First Lutheran Church of Moline.
Condolences may be expressed online at wendtfuneralhome.com.
