Wayne Teslow
Wayne Teslow, age 66, of Frankville died Friday, February 22, 2018 at his home in Frankville after a long battle with ALS. His funeral was held Tuesday, February 27 at Salem United Church of Christ, rural Waukon with Pastor Sue Klimstra officiating. Military rites were accorded by Decorah and Waukon Area U.S. Army Veterans. Burial was in Salem Cemetery, Waukon.
Wayne was born October 1, 1951 in Decorah to Raymond and Theresa Teslow. He attended school in Frankville until the sixth grade and then graduated from Postville High School in 1969.
He joined the Army at age 17 via the delayed enlistment program and began active duty in 1969. He took his basic training in Ft. Polk, LA. He went to AIT at the Aberdeen Proving Grounds in Maryland to become a wheel and track vehicle mechanic. His first assignment was with the 1/1 Cavalry in Chu Lai, Vietnam from May 1970 to April 1971. He returned from Vietnam and was assigned to Ft. Riley, KS.
In December of 1971, he married Joyce Engen, his high school sweetheart. He reenlisted to become an engineer equipment mechanic and was sent to Ft. Belvoir, VA, where he graduated from Army Engineer School. After completing engineering school, he was assigned to Ft. Lewis, WA.
While in Ft. Lewis, he and Joyce welcomed their first child, Crystal. After Ft. Lewis, his first duty assignment was in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. During this time, he became an Engineer Equipment Repair Technician, which was a promotion from the rank of E6 enlisted to W01 (Warrant Officer).
Shortly after this promotion, he and Joyce welcomed their second child, Cody, who was born while stationed in Ft. Meade, MD. He had a few other duty assignments that included Schofield Barracks, HI and Ft. Rucker, AL, which is where he was an instructor at the Aviation School. He retired from the Army in 1989 as a CW3 (Chief Warrant Officer level 3) after 20 years of service.
After retiring from the Army in 1989, Wayne and his family moved back to Frankville. He worked numerous jobs as a mechanic once he returned, which included time at the Ford Dealership, Reilly Construction and Olson Explosives. He retired from the Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) in December of 2015.
He was an accomplished mechanic and often fixed cars for friends and family, but he also loved stock cars and thunder trucks, which he built with his brother-in-law, Boyd. He was also involved in drag racing while he was in Germany. He was into racing until 2002, and subsequently traded in car racing for mule riding. He enjoyed camping and trail rides with friends and family. He loved his mules, Dan O and Midnight.
He enjoyed watching NASCAR, and cheered for anyone driving a Ford. He was always good for a game of pool or cards, especially around the holidays. He had a good sense of humor and often made witty jokes. He was a gentle and kind soul and was always willing to help anyone. In his later years, he was more passionate about politics and his faith. He was an active and dedicated member of the Salem United Church of Christ.
Wayne is survived by his mother, Theresa Teslow of Frankville; his wife, Joyce (Engen) Teslow of Frankville; two children, Crystal (Pat) Hayes of Lockridge and Cody (Bethia) Teslow of Holmen, WI; three siblings, Diana (Pat) Gardener of Cedar Rapids, Randy (Dawn) Teslow of Ossian and Ronnie (Mary) Teslow of Decorah; four sisters-in-law, Doris Sweet of Decorah, Jan (Boyd) Halverson of Decorah, Diane (Larry) Krivachek of Waukon and Rose Hoover (Gene Wagner) of Algona; three grandchildren, Savannah Hayes, Colton Hayes and Eleanor Teslow; and many nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Teslow of Frankville; a nephew, Jesse Einck of Spillville; his father-in-law, Lester Engen of Frankville; and his mother-in-law, Helen Engen of Frankville.
The family would like to thank family, friends and hospice staff for their care and support. Casketbearers are Colton Hayes, Chad Halverson, Ryan Halverson, Steven Teslow, Tony Teslow and Dennis Quam. Schluter-Balik Funeral Home of Decorah assisted the family with arrangements.
