Melvin Roy Teske, 74, Alaska, WI, passed away peacefully August 2, 2011. He was born August 31, 1936 to the late Ed and Erna (Schwantes) Teske at the family farm where he was also baptised.
He attended Alaska Graded School and graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1954. He went on to the University of Oshkosh and University of Minnesota where he graduated with a BS in Fishery and Wildlife. He then entered and served in the US Navy including the Cuban Missile Crisis.
He began employment as a Biochemist including jobs spraying lakes, chemistry for Pabst Brewing Company and retired as a research pollution chemist.
Melvin was well known for his world travels, visiting over 60 countries and all 7 continents. He usually had his next trip planned before he was back. He enjoyed bringing home gifts to his family and explaining their significance. He enjoyed politics, was a die-hard Republican, loved reading, Christian history and was devoted to his faith. He was very active in waterskiing, boating, snowmobiling, iceskating and perfected each activity.
Although he may not have ever admitted it, he had a love for the family farm. Even as a young man, he came home on weekends to help at the farm and then retired there.
He was a member of Benediction Lutheran while he worked in Milwaukee and most recently a member of St. Johns Lutheran in Rankin.
He is survived by 3 brothers and 4 sisters-in-law, Ernest (Janice) Teske, Norma Teske, Roger (Laurie) Teske, Mark (Linda) Teske; nieces and nephews, David (Dawn) Teske, Kay (Robert) Runge, Lee Teske, Wayne (Lori) Teske, Glenn (Amy) Teske, Robin (Jon) Fox, Guy (Sarah) Teske, Katie Teske, Tammy (Greg) Paplham, Tricia (Kevin) Frank, Tiffany (Mark) Fadroski; many great nieces and nephews. Although Melvin never married or had children, he treated us as his own.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Erna; brother, Edward Teske; nephew, Ted Teske; niece, Tara Teske.
Friends may call at St. Johns Lutheran Church, Rankin, on Friday August 5th from 10am till 1pm. Funeral Service 1pm Friday at St. Johns with Pastor John Neugebauer officiating. Burial in the Evergreen Cemetery, Algoma, with full military rites.
Wiesner-Massart Funeral Homes are handling arrangements. Online condolence messages may be expressed here .
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Bellin Hospital for their excellent care and compassion.
