Roger D. Teske, 70 of Alaska, WI passed away unexpectedly at home on March 12, 2015. He was born at home on the farm on April 18, 1944 to Edward and Erna (Schwantes) Teske. He graduated from Algoma High School in 1962 and later married his wife of 43 years Laurie Schneider on March 27, 1971.
First and foremost, Roger was a farmer. He kept the family farm going from a young age which has been around now for over 150 years. Roger was very proud of his heritage, farm land, and accomplishments. Roger often said "I was born in this house and I will die in this house" and he peacefully was granted that wish. It was also important to him to live life to the fullest which is something he did well even to the end. Life was never dull with Roger around. With a hard exterior and at times abrasive nature, he still had a heart of gold and amazing generosity.
Roger was a man of many talents and a natural born leader. He had a sense of humor and wit that will go unmatched. He was the man you called who would have the answer and get the job done no matter what. He would often spear head projects. He was a role model and inspiration to the many young people he mentored. He also hosted foreign exchange students through Farm Bureau from Japan and Chile in the early 70's. He entered the Army National Guard and served during riots in Madison in the late 60's. As a young man, he hauled milk and cheese for The Alaska Farmers Co-op.
He enjoyed making gift baskets for many charities, family, and friends. These baskets usually contained the fruits of his land and labor, as he loved making salsa, wine & many different kinds of jams. Nothing went to waste when Rog was around. Roger enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren grow and was very proud of their accomplishments. He enjoyed watching their sporting events and programs at school. He made many picture frames as well as other wood and metal work. He could take a pile of scrap and make an amazing creation. He had a knack to think outside the box and did not need manuals or patterns to build things. He enjoyed attending Packer, Brewer, and Badger games, and cooked for many tailgate parties. If Rog was going, so was his homemade grill. He attended the Final Four tournament last year and had plans to attend this year as well. Roger hosted countless parties, such as the Garbage Boil, that were never short on food or entertainment. Most recently hosting the Fourth of July fireworks at the family cabin on (East)Alaska Lake. He was an active member of the ABC Tractor Club and participated in as many tractor pulls he could fit in. Through the years he has received many awards and trophies. He was involved in many different organizations, including The Road Rebel MC, Thrivent Financial, the Pierce Town Board, Ducks Unlimited, White Tails Unlimited, Alaska Golf League, the Financial committee and Men's Club at Grace Lutheran, bowling leagues in Kewaunee, Algoma, and Luxemburg, and the Kewaunee Fitness Center.
Roger is survived by his wife Laurie, daughters and son-in-laws; Tammy (Greg) Paplham, Tricia (Kevin) Frank, and Tiffany (Mark) Fadroski. Grandchildren; Reese, Riley, Ryder, Mason, Dylan, Aidan & Karli. Brothers and sister in laws; Ernie ( Janice) Teske, Norma Teske, and Mark ( Linda) Teske. Aunt Alvina Bargmann and many neices and nephews. Godchildren; Wayne Teske, Tim Teske, Dawn Doperalski, and Sophia Spittlemeister. He was preceded in death by a son Ted, daughter Tara, brothers Edward & Melvin, parents Ed & Erna Teske, and in-laws Ralph & Gladys Schneider.
Visitation will be held at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home, Algoma on Saturday, March 14, 2015 from 1-6pm. There will be a prayer service at 5pm. To accommodate all of his friends and family, the visitation will continue the following day at the Heritage Farm on Hwy 42 in Kewaunee from 11am-1pm. Funeral service will follow at 1pm with Pastor Howard Batt officiating and full military rites at the Heritage Farm. Burial will follow at Rankin Cemetery. Condolences may be shared online here .
In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Roger's name.
The family would like to thank the out pouring of support from family, friends and the community during this difficult time. Roger touched many lives and gave of himself often and would be pleased.
