Teschner, Russell D. 1952-2024 Castalia, Ohio
By NewsPress Now
CASTALIA, Ohio – Russell Dale Teschner entered his eternal glory on Oct. 14, 2024, after a sudden health issue in Cleveland, Ohio. Russ was born on Nov. 23, 1952, to Clyde and Rufena (Judy) Teschner, in St. Joseph. He graduated from Benton High School in 1971, where he excelled in sports, was nicknamed “Bird,” and met his wife, Gail Falkner. They married on May 10, 1974, and became the proud parents of Erik, Erin, and Nathan. Their log cabin home in Stewartsville, Missouri, was the site of many birthday parties and holiday gatherings. They also traveled in the family station wagon, embarking on vacations around the country.
Russ accepted Jesus Christ as His Lord and Savior as a young boy and was baptized on the same day as his mom at King Hill Baptist Church. He wholeheartedly believed the promise of Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Over the years, Russ faithfully served at King Hill Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Stewartsville, and New Harvest Church.
Throughout his life, Russ enjoyed hunting and fishing with his dad, sons, brother, Kent, nephews, and best friend, Steve Rock, including yearly pheasant hunts in South Dakota. Russ also spent many hours cheering on his children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren at their sporting events and school activities. Hannah, Clay, Madison, Haidyn, and Teagan could count on “Papa Russ” to be in the stands. Russ worked most of his career at Quaker Oats then at Boehringer Ingelheim before retiring to Castalia, Ohio.
With his family and friends, Russ was known for his humor, wit, and rambunctiousness. Ask any of them, and they can tell you a Russ story. But they will also tell you how his gentle spirit encouraged and supported everyone around him. Russ will be remembered as a devoted and loving husband, dad, grandpa, son, brother, uncle, and friend. Especially to his children and grandchildren, the example Russ set is one they will follow for the rest of their lives.
Russ was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Jennifer Teschner; and brother, Kent Teschner.
Survivors include wife, Gail Teschner, of the home; their children, Erik (Tiffani) Teschner, Erin Gardner, and Nathan Teschner; sisters, Judy (Warren) Denney and Jayne (Tim) Ellis; sister-in-law, Nancy Teschner; grandchildren, Hannah Gardner, Clay Teschner, Madison Teschner, Haidyn Gardner, and Teagan Teschner; step-grandchildren, Ben and Addy Schneider; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, at the Journey Baptist Church, where the family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. The Interment will be at the Memorial Park Cemetery. Services under the direction of Rupp Funeral Home. Memorials are suggested to The Gideon’s International.
Online condolences and obituary at www.ruppfuneral.com. As published in the St. Joseph News-Press.
