Jack G. Teeples

Jack G. Teeples is listening to the music in heaven, fully hearing, and dancing with his savior Jesus Christ. Jack died peacefully June 20, 2013, with his family beside him, in God’s grace.

Jack Teeples, husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle and friend, will be dearly missed.

Jack was born to Ray and Violet Teeples March 31, 1931, and celebrated his last birthday on Easter Sunday this year. He was raised on the Bluewater ranch, and graduated high school from Bridger.

Jack married the love of his life, Mary (Onken) Teeples, Dec. 28, 1950. Together they waltzed life’s dance for 62 years. Jack worked with his dad on the ranch until he began his career with the railroad. Originally hired out on the Northern Pacific Railroad in Laurel, Jack retired as an engineer with the Burlington Northern Railroad in Whitefish, 40 years later.  

Jack will be remembered as one who deeply loved his family. His grandchildren were a complete source of joy and pride. For his family, he was the No. 1 fan in their activities, sports, education, and all other endeavors. Jack was a relational giant, friend and mentor to many in the communities where he lived. He especially had a passion for the younger generation.

Jack saw the world through the eyes of an artist. He used his large, strong hands and his servant heart to willingly express his gift through woodworking, photography, landscaping, leading Bible studies, and building and improving his homes, the homes of his children and his church home. These acts of love were accomplished with much generosity, fortitude, joy, and laughter. Many will recall him simply as a compassionate disciple of Christ.

Jack is survived by his wife, Mary; the family of Karen and Bill McDonald, of Columbus; Jason and Carie McDonald, and Jonathan and Stephanie McDonald; the family of Bob and Misty Teeples, of Columbia Falls; Jennifer and Andy Steele, and Kristin and Derek Thompson; the family of Linda and Jim Roberts, of Eureka; Jay Roberts and Amy Roberts; the family of Jeff and Kris Teeples, of Hawley, Minn.; David, Eric and Philip Teeples; and great-grandchildren, Savanna, Jonathan, Tegan, Drew, Jax, and Kathleen.

Jack was the patriarch of the entire family and was the older brother to four sisters, Phyllis Joki, Dorothy Spracklen, Joanne Hamwey, and Edna Coates.

Join us for a service of comfort, worship, and celebration at 3 p.m., June 30, at Christ Lutheran Church, 5150 River Lakes Parkway in Whitefish. Jack will be buried at the Bluewater Ranch Cemetery.