Ralph Tegeler, age 93, passed away peacefully in his home on Father’s Day June 21, 2015.

He was born on March 30, 1922  in Dubuque, IA to Gerhard and Alma(Henning) Tegeler.  He graduated from Xavier high school in Dyersville, IA in 1939. In his early years he worked at a photo/camera shop and then for J.C.Penny.  When WWII broke out in 1941 he enlisted in the Navy.  He served in the South Pacific as a radio man for 26 months and was on 13 invasions during that time.  He was discharged in September 1945 and returned to Hawaii the day before the war ended.  In his later years, after going on the Freedom Honor flight, he wrote of these memories and enjoyed sharing his writings and pictures with family and friends.   He was very proud of his years in the service.

Ralph was united in marriage to Bernadette Reiter on May 6 1947.  He transferred to work at the J.C. Penny in Grinnell, IA after they married.  In 1951, he and his brother-in law Harold Wall started a retail business in Jesup, IA and named it the T&W Store.   Harold moved to start a new store and Ralph continued on with the T &W until retirement.  He and his wife also developed land on the south end of Jesup.  They retired in 1986 and traveled to Arizona for many great winters.

He was a member of the American Legion, Lions, Knights of Columbus and original board member of the St Athanasius parish.

Ralph never lost his humor or spirit for life. He wanted everyone to know he “put up a good fight but finally had to give in”. He loved to sing, dance, golf, woodworking and making wine.  He also enjoyed a good game of bridge.  Family and friends were of great importance.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years Bernie, 2 daughters Mary Kay (Jeff) Priem of Holmen, Wi and their children Megan(Jason) Grenz of Plymouth, Mn, Danielle Priem of Madison WI, Michael Priem of Madison, Susan Wright(Scott Douglas) of Cedar Rapids Ia, her children Ryan Tegeler(Chelsey Horak) of Omaha NE and Allison Wright(finace Adam Richardson) and their children David and Sophia Richardson.

Friends may call from 10 to 11 with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow on Thursday June 25 at St Athanasius parish. Burial will be at St Athanasius cementary in Jesup, IA

Memorial gifts to Freedom Honor Flight, Gundersen Luthern, St Elizabeth or St Athanasius.