Robert R. Teske

May 9th, 1942 - August 29th, 2007

Robert R.'s Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Robert R. here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

There are so many people who Mr. Teske has been a part of their lives and I was definately fortunate to be one of them. I was so fortunate to have such a caring, warm and quick witted man to not only have as a teacher, but as a coach, mentor and most importantly a friend.

I think all of us can agree that Mr. Teske deserves to be bestowed the title of "Legend". He's definately a legend in our hearts.

Mrs. T and Family: Know that my heart and the heart of my family is with you in this tough time.

Jerrod Birmele

My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs. Teske and to family and friends. Mr. Teske was truly a foundation for Hartford Schools and will be missed by all. He certainly inspired thousands of students while in school to achieve great things through academics, athletics, and leadership. Mr. Teske's room was always a place where you felt welcome even after graduating from HHS. He had a tremendous amount of pride in his students and their accomplishments. Even though he is no longer with us, his spirit, smile and affection will live on in each one of us. We'll miss you Mr. T!

Chris LeMaster

Mr. T was an absolutely wonderful man! Mr. T touched the lives of everyone he came in contact with. I feel blessed to have been a part of his life. Now that I am a parent myself, I can appreciate what he did for me and I feel truly special that this man watched over me and steered me down the right path. Even after high school, Mr. T kept prodding me in the right direction. There aren't enough words to describe what Mr. T meant to me and everyone he came in contact with. WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN, HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY!

Teri (Cartwright) Coulson

We HONOR the greatness of your being, Bob Teske.
To all the former students: Mr. Teske gave you one little thing you didn't even know you were getting--- CONFIDENCE. When he looked into your eyes, smiled, and found a way to validate each of you, he was giving you a little part of himself. Imagine that kind of generosity!! Mrs. T is vulnerable and broken hearted right now, as we all are, but will you do this one small act of kindness? Put a pen in your hand, and write your thoughts and memories in a card or letter. This is old fashioned communication. There is something so intimate and loving about a letter. You are the computer generation, but believe me, you will create a "forever" treasure if you do this. Make copies of your pictures with Mr. T, and put them in there too. I am about to follow my own advice and write to you, Deej and girls.
I feel privileged to have walked the in the same world as Bob Teske. I really loved that guy.........
Jackie D.

Jacqueline Deneau

I was so shocked when my dad called me to tell me this news. He loved Mr. T. as a teacher as much as I did. This is a man that touched generations. Although there is great saddness with the passing of this magnificent man I will honor and lift up his life. He has given so much to so many. Mrs. Teske, my prayers will be with you and your family. I pray the Lord give you the strength and faith to look toward Him to pull you through this time of sorrow and pain. We will all rejoice again with Mr. T in Heaven, it is only a matter of being patient. Many blessing and all my love.

Vanessa (Sells) Wilmoth

Mrs. Teske and family,
We were all shocked and extremely saddened by the passing of Mr T. I can't think of anyone who doesn't remember Sr Year Government and Econ...not because of class content but because of the amount of class it was taught with. He was a great and caring man and he could be a riot to watch on the softball fields if things weren't going so well. Hartford Public Schools knew they had a gold mine when they hired that guy so many years ago!!! He will be truly missed and our prayers are with you in the coming days.
Much love and respect, Kristen (Downey) Dixon

Kristen (Downey) Dixon

Mr. Teske will be greatly missed. I will never forget all the fun times I had with him during my years of Cross Country and as a teacher in high school. He could make me smile no matter how bad my day was. As I think back on the fond Cross Country memories I have of him I remember that he would always find the best places to hide his station wagon. He caught us every time we cut those corners. I will never forget him for the ways he would never let me give up on myself. He believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.

Cathy (Vanlandingham) Randall

I hope Mr. Teske knew during life what he meant to so many people. His passing has come as a shock to me, as I'm sure it did to many of you, since he was the teacher who never took a sick day. He was the one who everyone said "He's going to retire after this year" and yet he kept plugging away. I'll always remember both Mr. & Mrs. Teske as the ideal teachers, the ones who can inspire anyone.

Now he can watch from above, and see the successes he has helped drive so many of his students to, and be proud. We will all miss him.

Thomas Busch

I was very saddened to read about Mr. Teske's passing. As a freshmen at HHS in 1964 Mr. Teske was my social studies teacher. He, and Mrs. Teske, were the best teachers I ever had during my high school years. They both made learning fun and help me to become a successful person in life.

Mrs. Teske, even though it's been a very long time since I've seen or talked to either of you please know that I've never forgotten you. I am so sorry, he was too young to pass away. Please take care, you and your family are in my thoughts. Mike Brandt, Class of 1968

Mike Brandt

To the friends and family of Mr. Teske,
I pray the lord brings peace to your heart in this time. Please know that while he has passed, he lives on within us, the students past and present of Hartford High School. His spirit and personality are what I remember most of him and what brings a smile to my face when I think of him now. To live a life where you have given so much of yourself to others, and influenced so many people is something most only dream of. He lived it and I will always be thankful for that.
God Bless,
Al Noles

Allen Noles

Mr T was my favorite teacher, I visited him at the school after I graduated a few times. He was always wanting to know how I was doing. He was special because he really cared. Not just pretending to care. You don't find teachers like that anymore. He was my cross country coach and my Econ Teacher and he was a friend.He always told me that I was his fast runner with the short leggs. He gave me confidence to keep running the race, I think back often and try to keep running the race of life. My prayers go out to the families.

Karla (Barrett) Pepple (Class of 93)

I am at a loss for words to adequately describe my feelings at this moment, I was never Blessed with having Mr. Teske for a teacher, however, I did meet him and Diana through just being in the school, and both of them were lovely people, who set good examples for young people, to have high standards, and for them to pursue goals that they may have thought not possible. I remember Mr. Teske as always having a smile on his face, being soft spoken, and nurturing to others, and everyone felt "special" to him. I can only say " what a legacy" and isn't that all that all of us would want or aspire to? My Prayers are that the Lord will comfort all of you, family and friends during this feeling of loss, however, I believe we will all be together one day. I thank the Lord for allowing me to have known Mr. Teske and I know that his good will shall forever live on in the lives that he nurtured. God Bless his family and God Bless Mr. T.

LINDA AMENT CLASS OF '66 HARTFORD

At a time like this words can not adaquately express the sadness I feel at the realization of Bob's passing. I worked with Bob for the past seven years. Other then his always upbeat and energetic demeanor, most of all, I will fondly remember the stories and words of "wisdom" that Bob would pass on to us in between classes at the "meeting" corner outside his classroom. That is where Bob held court. One moment he could tell us stories that would have us laughing so hard we would get tears in our eyes. The next moment he and I would be in a serious discussion regarding our simular philosophies of education. Although he is gone physically, his memories and stories will stay with me forever. I have been blessed to have been able to be his collegue.
Al

Al Grashuis

Bob Teske was not only a great teacher and coach to the many kids he came in contact with thru out his long career, but also, a role model and source of advice and encourgment for parents of those kids.
Parent/Teacher Conference's were never dull when you could look forward to coming up the hall way and see Mr. T standing in his class room door way, with that signature smile on his face, ready for a visit.

Our thoughts and prayers to Mrs. T and family.

Bob & Debbie Clark; Angie Clark/Fenlon, Lisa C./Johnson, Krissy C./Bachman, Holly C./Musick

What can we say. Forty two years as a teacher and a coach. An inspiration to everyone who came in contact with him. So many memories for the thousands of students he touched. His love of family, all people and sports. Memories of two-a-days in the August heat, Bob's pure pleasure with fumble recovery drills resembling human car crashes. The joy on his face at the end of practice just before ordering wind sprints and mountains (running up and down the bleachers several dozen times). From the thundering echo of his heel hitting the wood bleachers in the gymnasium because of a missed opportunity by his basketball team, or the deafening ring of the metal locker door and his voice during halftime of a football game. Or a quite discussion of the next offensive series or his personal opinion of Eugene McCarthy. Robert Teske is a legend that will never be forgotten!

Denis Huffman

What an unexpected and tragic loss. I feel so privileged having had Mr. T. not only for a teacher but for a coach throughout my entire 4 years in High School. And seeing the numerous lives he touched in that small amount of time, it is staggering to think of all of the other lives he touched with his caring and generosity. He will truly be missed. To Mrs. T and the rest of the family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God watch over you and bless you in your time of need.

Candace Birmele

His smile, his laugh, his ever intimidating stare...all of those facial expressions that have remained in my memory for the past 15 years! You knew what he was thinking just by the look on his face! I can see him now, like it was yesterday standing in his usual spot right outside his room with Mr. Pfeifer, and Mrs. McKeeby talking and laughing away! When I find myself thinking of high school, my memories are most often of Mr. Teske and the schedule he had us keep in the classroom and on the athletic field. He wanted us all to be socially and politically aware so weekly we had to review Newsweek and have a pop quiz. On the field he ran practice with a 3x5 index card folded in half, (length wise) stuck in his back pocket with every drill we were supposed to do and at the exact time those drills were supposed to start. He was one of my favorite teachers and coaches of all time. Most importantly, he had a way of making me want to succeed, whether it was in his classroom, on the softball field or in life...I never wanted to let him down. I am proud to say that I was taught and coached by such a caring and thoughtful man. Mrs. T, my thoughts are with you, the girls and those wonderful grandsons that made him beam. God bless.

Stacy Roush-Hayes

I am so saddened by the passing of Mr. Teske. I am sure he never truly realized what an impact he had on so many people. His concern and passion for teaching and for life was contagious. When I think of him I immediatly hear his wonderful laughter and recall his quick witt. He was such a character and I am blessed to have been touched by his talents. He made learning fun and for many made things feel normal and safe. I know the angels rejoice. I pray that GOD's blessing will give comfort and stregth to your entire family Mrs. Teske. I am so grateful I got to tell him thank you long ago. God Bless all
Paula Chambers Pool
Hartford Class of 1972

Paula Chambers Pool

i never had Mr Teske as a teacher but i did have him as a coach. i dont ever remember him yelling at person at any time for any reason . . . he wouldnt yell at you he would just not speak to you. This was the worst feeling ever making him disapointed. I remember the every race he would be standing at a corner yelling at me "15 stps amanda be my surging queen!" and i would laugh or groan and i would run faster. Our last cross country meet he was so pround he was beaming with pride he told me even though i finished in 27th he told me, "keep in there kiddo asthma seasons almost over, dont worry you'll gett 'um." I loved Mr Teske and i will get them i'll be his surging queen. I shall remember him as fun, never biased, loving, not one to look for the cross team when we hide from him, and as always as my mentor and leader.

Amanda Rodriguez

I have only the fondest memories of Coach Teske. I played football for him in the great Class of 1977. I will never forget the "I'm an Eight Mountain Man" shirt he wore as we ran together the bleechers eight times each practice day preparing for our eighth straight win that season. I loved playing for him.

I also loved learning in his class. I taught me a love for people. He taught me a love for business. It was my pleasure to know him. Though I left Hartford many years ago, many of my best Hartford memories were associated with Coach Teske.

I know life continues after this life and Coach Teske will enjoy that too.

Go Indians!
Duane Toney
All-State Football, Class of '77

Duane M Toney

Wow, something like this was so hard to believe. Mr. Teske was the best teacher I have ever had, I just recently had in him last school year...right before he retired. He was always there to make you laugh and teach you great and wonderful things. The one great fond moment that I have with Mr. Teske was that he loved oreo cookies. He did a GREAT thing to me last year in class and the next day I brought him a whole bowl full of oreo cookies. It's so sad to hear about Mr. Teske and I really want his family to know that I'm really and truly sorry for thier loss and I hope that everything is going to be okay for them. But thank you Mr. Teske for being the best there ever was.

Whitney Cox

How very sad we were to hear of Bob's passing. We were Jrs. the first year he began teaching at HHS. He was Coach G.s assistant during Rick's Sr. year of football (1965).Years passed and he became our kid's (Amy,Aaron,Anne and Andy Bachman) teacher and the girls softball coach. He had a wonderful way with his students and athletes, you just knew that he actually cared about their progress it was not just a job. They all respected him and he deserved it. His smile at their successes and his blank stare at a missed play were worth a million words. Donating to the blood bank, registering to vote and attending School board meetings were all part of how he taught them to become involved citizens. We have a great deal of respect for his way of inspiring not only students but others around him. Deeg and family, we pray that with God's goodness and love soon the wonderful memories that you have of him will help cover the pain and loss you must be feeling at this time. He truly was a man to be proud of.

Rick and Ernestine (Green) Bachman Class of 1966

Mrs. Teske, for once I seem to be at a loss for words. When my best friend Lindsey Sells called me & told me the terrible news, I broke down and cried in front of the entire Albion College cafeteria. It did not seem to be real. As I write this now, there's a picture hanging above my computer, a chilly day in November, after the 2004 girls cross-country team raced at State Finals. The past couple days I have been replaying not only the cross-country memories but every other memory I have with Coach T in. My college cross-country coach reminds me so much of Coach T...except Coach Smith is a runner. Sitting here now, I remember what he said about me for the Herald Palladium Academic All-Stars. I remember how he made me sound like such an intelligent, driven and respected individual. I only wish I could put words together like that for him. I won't even attempt to. I do know every cross-country race I run for the rest of my life will not be without him. He will be there in my head, telling me to surge the corners & keep up the pace. Hartford High will never be the same now, I am glad that I am away, the memories would be too painful. Your family is in my prayers (I remember how proud & excited Coach T was when his family came to our meets). I could go on forever, but I will end it here. Thank you for all the times you brought us candy & subbed in Mr. Dietz's class, for coming to the cross meets when it was ridiculously cold. Thank you for everything Coach T & Mrs. Teske.

-Katie

Katie Jonatzke

Mr. Teske will always be remembered as the one who made a difference. I went through a phase in school where I had black hair, my nose was pierced, and I was pretty anti-social.....I think they call this "EMO" now. Although I was not feeling good about myself he had just the right words to make a difference. At prom he compared me to the "First Lady". Now this may not be much of a compliment to most highschool girls, but he went on to say, "Michelle, I always knew there was a pretty, young lady under all that stuff." He never knew it, but his words made a difference. I will never forget him. Working in education today I hope I can make each student feel as special as he made me feel that day.

Mrs. Teske, thank you for sharing the love of your life with all of us for so many years. I was fortunate enough to run into Mr and Mrs. Teske, in Paw Paw, while out for dinner this past spring. It was nice to be able to visit briefly with them and say a final farewell to the teacher that made a difference. Mr. Teske, your smile, laugh, humor, and spirit will fill the halls and hearts for many years to come.

Michelle (Smallwood) Diebold Class of '91

Deeg and family - my sincere condolences to all of you! I was truly saddened when I heard the news that Mr. T had passed away. During my high school days at Hartford, he not only was my favorite teacher, but I was also his teacher's assistant - what fun we had! He was truly an awesome teacher, coach and friend who touched so many kids lives. If I remember correctly, he was a pretty good water skiier also; Lake Cora will never be the same! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.

Connie (Pitcher) VanLoon

Mrs. Teske & Family-
My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time. As many were,I too was very saddened by the news/shock of Mr T's passing on Wednesday. This man was a wonderful teacher/father/friend/coach/husband who has touched the lives of many people in the Hartford community. As I sit and think of some memories of him, the couple that stick out come from my coaching experiences with him. Both as an athlete and as a coaching partner, this man would take "no slack" and you always knew when he meant business on the volleyball court. I believe a couple of times we had to escort him off the floor before he "blew his top". But with that, you always knew he was trying to make the best of his athletes. I will also never forget, as he is probably still doing so in his sleep, that this man was a left and right foot driver. The first time I rode with him in the car for cross country practice, I thought to myself "what is he doing"? We all survived! I could go on as many of us could, but I leave you (Mrs. T.) and the family with those stories. I will truly miss this man and store my memories of him forever!

Angie (Clark) Fenlon

Teske Family- I am truly sorry for your loss and hope you find some comfort in this guestbook. I sit here and weep reading these entries, also thinking of special times with Mr.T. Just a few weeks ago we were all having fun at Angie's wedding, Mr. T so full of life as usual. In May our family got to share a little part of "Plow Day" with Mr. T, Mrs.T, and Kathy and the family- he made us get more out of that day by just being there. Mr. T did that for me whereever he was, he helped me get the most out of the day. I think future "Plow Days" will be my family's day to remember Mr. T! Luv ya Mr. T!!!

Lisa (Clark) Johnson

Bob(Coach T) was one of just a few people who really gave me courage and confidence as I grew through high school. Stern and demanding but was always held with the highest respect.

If Coach said "Walter!!" cut that finger off and get back in the huddle!! ...buddy, you'd do it and not think twice. You trusted him and would go to war for him.

I remember seeing his wife at a school dance one time and we all thought she was the prettiest woman we aver saw. Coach new how to pick'em.

You could always get a little grin with the way his subtle humor got to you. His kiddings and nicknames and "go get it" attitude. I will always hold him in the dearest memories of my life.

"Thanks so much coach!" There are so many people going to miss ya!

God Bless.

Your friend.......
Larry Walter class of '76

Larry Walter

Our loss, Heaven's gain. Mr. Teske was certainly given to us all as a gift from God. I don't want to imagine what my life would have been had he not been my teacher at that specific time in my life...I was very misguided and yet he treated me with respect, asked pointed questions, and got me to think through potentially damaging decisions...He helped me find a better path in my life. And I am certain if he did this for me, he did the same for each person he encountered. What a gift! My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Teske and their family and friends as they move through this difficult time; I hope they know that Mr. Teske may be physically gone, but his spirit endures, being reflected in each one of us that his life touched.

Patti McLaughlin

What can I say that hasn't already been said? Mr. Teske touched so many lives in such a positive, caring way. When I think back on my high school years, he is almost always included in those fond memories, especially his mischievious grin, with a twinkle in his eye, giggling to himself as he knew he was about to blow us away with some bit of fun (or a surprise quiz!). Celebrate his life. He was a great man and a little part of him will live on in all whose lives he touched. Kelly Empson - class of '77

Kelly Empson Richards

Mrs. Teske I write you with a heavy heart. Although, I left southwestern Michigan more than 30 years ago I have carried with me everyday the positive messages for success that Mr. Teske always enforced to the students he taught and athletes he coached. It was a privilege to have Mr. Teske as a teacher, coach and friend. Every time I hear a plastic whistle I want to get on the line and run another wind sprint for him. He never failed to get his message across to you with humor, respect and with his infamous raised brow and smile. Mr. Teske is a legend and will be missed but never forgotten. Mrs. Teske, thank you for sharing your husband with the thousands of students whom he positively influenced during his more than 40 years of teaching at Hartford High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Class of 1969.

Gary Peters

Mrs. Teske,
Words can't describe the loss you are going through right now, my only hope is that by reading all of this you will realize you are not alone. When I first heard I was sitting at work and realixed I had tears coming down my face and I'm sure most people that knew him found themselves in the same position Mr. T was that one teacher that even the kids who hated school loved. I will always remember 1st hour with him he was so energetic and interesting that no matter how tired you were by the end of the hour you were wide awake and ready to go for the day. Not to mention softball practice and watching him on the football field. What a great man you were lucky to have such a wonderful man as a husband. My thoughts and prayers are with you and so is everyone that ever was blessed to know him. God Bless You!!

Tabitha Raymond

Mrs. T, and the Teske Family, you are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of loss. Mr. Teske was all the positive you could ask for in a teacher, a coach and a friend. I'm sure he was a great husband and father, and we, as part of the Community of Hartford, want to thank you so much for sharing this wonderful man with so many teams and families. He truly left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered over the many years he spent at Hartford High School. His energy and enthusiasm will always be a presence in the school, and on the athletic fields. He will be sorely missed. We hope you can find solace in knowing how many people loved and will miss him, always.

Joy and Jerry Edwards and Family

Mr. Teske will be deeply missed. You were both the best teachers, and had a wonderful influence on your students. If you ask anybody that graduated from Hartford High school who their favorite teachers were, they will say "Mr. & Mrs. Teske of course." My prayers are with Mrs. Teske & the family. Just know how many lives you have both touched.

"A man of great charachter whose judgment, humor and friendly spirit brought out the finest in those around him. The influence of his life upon others is a flame that will burn brightly forever. He left so much good with every soul he touched on this earth."

Traci (Fields) Harmon ( Class of 1995)

Mr. T was the best! He was a man who cared about all of his students and athletes. Not just the popular ones or the athletic ones. ALL OF HIS STUDENTS AND ATHLETES. He made a huge mark in my life. Not only with my love of government and interest in learning more and more. But with his continued support to never quit or give up and to always do your best. That is what he taught me and that is what I am trying to instill in my children--NEVER GIVE UP AND DO YOUR BEST! He was a very inspirational mentor in my life and I will never forget him. Anyone who ever knew him will never forget him. He touched so many hearts and minds.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. T, and the entire family in this time of sorrow. May your memories of him never fade and always be joyful. He will always be with us in spirit and memories.

Billie Sue (Sharpsteen) Jones

Like all of the other people have stated, to many students at the HHS think of Mr. Teske as a legend. He was a very memorable man and all of his good deeds will never be erased from our minds. He was not only a great teacher but he was a wonderful friend. You could be walking down the hallways going to class, and you pass him in the hallway- he'd be singing and greeting people left and right. You could have the worst day and he would instantly cheer you up with his constant smile on his face. It's not every day that you meet anyone- let alone a teacher that would go out of their way to make sure everything was alright and to help you with your school work, even taxes. Mr. Teske will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of all the HHS students.
As for Mrs. Teske and your family our thoughts and prayers are with you in this sad time. We miss you both and think of you all the time.

Amanda Warford

Dear Teske Family,
Mr. Teske was my favorite teacher in high school. I will never forget the bond we shared with our Chicago Cubs and how he always called myself, my brother Rob, and my sister Sandy the nickname of 'Woodsy' for many years. He showed me things with softball that I never thought were possible and put so much life into it.
He made it enjoyable to come to school when at times I just dreaded it so much. I will forever remember his friendship and kindness. I also remember when I graduated and did summerstock theater and made the newspaper, he had cut the picture out and sent it to me in the mail with a big "Congrats Lori! Mr. T" written over it. I still have the article stored away. That was the only thing in the envelope and that was all that was needed. I feel blessed that he was in my life and my teacher and I will never forget him.
For the family, I know you realize what a blessing you had and will always have in your life.

Sincerely,
Lori "Woodsy" Woods-Curtis graduate 1987
10101 River Rock Blvd
Dimondale, Michigan 48821

Lori Woods (Curtis)

As a former student of Hartford High, I too have many fond memories of Mr. Teske and share the feelings of so many others before me who have listed all the wonderful attributes of this special man. He had a way of "pulling you in" in class. I'll always remember his voice and how he'd prop one foot up on a chair sometimes as he talked. He also had a trademark of carrying a pencil behind one ear. Yes indeed, we need more like him in this world. May he now enjoy in heaven the rewards for all his good works he has done here on earth. And may his family feel the comfort of the Lord at this time.

Pam (Prince) Muller

Jim and I went to the MSU football game yesterday with our son, Jim, and listened to Bob Teske stories coming and going. When we called our daughter, Patti, in NJ to tell her about Bob she said, "Mom, that man was an Icon in Hartford." I enjoyed
having him as a colleague. He was very much loved and respected by his students and fellow faculty members and he wil be remembered and missed. OUr deepest sympathy from us and our four children, Virginia, Jim, Patti, and Dan. We'll be sharing Teske stories for many years.

Dr. & Mrs. H. J. Meachum

I too feel very honored to call Mr. Teske my favorite teacher. Mr. and Mrs. Teske, you sure have a lot of kids, who love and thank-you for your teachings of knowledge,strength, and confidence. We couldn't have done it without the two of you. Iremember Mr. Teske with fond memories...I was a shy person, but never felt shy in his class, he made everyone feel special. I use to walk across the tracks at lunch time, there was a health food store there at that time, just to buy cashew nuts for 25 cents a bag. I always gave him half. He loved them. Mr. Teske really is a legend. When I think of Hartford High School, I think of Mr. Teske my favorite teacher and coach. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. We will all miss you very much.
Brenda (Johnson) Reznicek
Class of 1977

Brenda (Johnson) Reznicek

We are here on this great earth for only a moment in time. What we do with our moment is up to each individual. Mr. Teske touched all of us in many ways. His dedication to the teaching and coaching profession was truly a special calling. The Teske’s have an extended family reaching from local communities in Southwestern Michigan, the United States and throughout various parts of the world.

June of this year, the 1984 graduating seniors from his softball team gave him a special gift upon his retirement. Part of my message I wrote to Mr. Teske said “I don’t think you realized how much you impacted our lives and the lasting impression we have of you. You were our mentor who instilled in us respect, integrity, confidence, commitment, excellence, team work, leadership, decision making, professionalism and courage”.

I consider myself blessed to have had the opportunity to share a moment in Mr. Teske’s life as his student and athlete. Mr. Teske and his beautiful family met so much to all of us. To Mrs. Teske, Kathy, Rinda and family, I send my sincere sympathy, condolences and prayers. The Teske’s will always be remembered and cherished in all of our hearts and thoughts. What an inspirational man, God blessed us with during a moment in time.

Cindy Fellner

What can I say that hasn't already been said. Mr. Teske was a great teacher and a great man. He was one of the best teachers that I ever had. He loved what he did with his life and that makes all the difference to each and every person that he came into contact with. I can remember gearing up for an upcoming test and Mr. Teske being the only teacher that would write down everything on the board that you needed to know for that test. He taught with enthusiasm and made us want to know more. Not only did he teach us Government, he taught us to be involved with government. I registered to vote and went to town meetings because of his extra credit. He knew how to get us to do things. He really made a difference in thousands upon thousands of lifes. I probably would never had read a newsweek if it weren't for Mr. Teske. It is so sad to think that thousands of more impressionable minds will never know what it is like to have Mr. Teske as a teacher, mentor or a coach. We thank God that he brought Mr. Teske and Mrs. Teske to a tiny little town in Michigan to touch so many lifes. How lucky we have all been. God Bless you Mrs. Teske and your loving family at this time of terrible loss to us all.

Regina Barrett - Graduate 1984

Deeg and family. Words fail to capture how I felt when I read of Bob's death in the SH Tribune. My wife who didn't know Bob saw immediately the pain in my face. I had to explain that when Bob was a senior at SHHS and I was an 8th grader, Bob worked at Arkins in downtown SH. I idolized him for his academic and athletic skills, but more for his willingness to talk to a pudgy, silly idol worshipping junior high student. Bob gave me time, treated me well and made me feel like I mattered. As a teacher in SH I was able to follow his career from a distance and crossed paths with him a couple times over the years. It was obvious that the giving and caring high school senior had grown into the same kind of teacher, father, husband and friend He treated me well at a time when really mattered. I am sorry for your loss. I know it is a huge one. Harry Kohn

Harry Kohn

Being the current principal at HHS, I have to say that there are not enough words to describe Bob Teske. Between teaching and coaching, literally thousands of young men and women have had the pleasure of standing by his side as his students and as his colleagues. As a living legend in our school, he provided opportunities for our students to extend themselves and to reach their highest potential. We in the education field all strive to be life touchers, but seldom make it. Bob is certainly the leader of the pack. He didn't just touch students' lives; he touched whole generations of lives.

We know that he wouldn't like all of this hoopla, but I would like all to know that we at HHS are in the process of setting up a scholarship fund in Bob's name here at school. We would love to grow this fund so that we can have scholarships given in Bob's name in perpetuity. If you have any questions, please e-mail me.

Kenny Kent - Principal at HHS

I was so sad to hear about Mr. Teske’s death on literally the eve of my own children going back to school. So many emotions and memories surfaced about a remarkable person who touched many families and individuals in the community. Mr./Coach Teske taught not only my older brother and sister, me, and my younger sister, but my nephews as well, spanning over 27 years – he became a household name. The skills instilled in both the classroom and on the field have been carried throughout my life in college, work and now raising my family. The sky is the limit when you can apply focus, dedication, hard work and combine it with a little fun. To Mrs. Teske and girls, although it’s been over 26 years since your family had our softball team over to your home water skiing to celebrate our season’s success, it seems like yesterday. Thank you for sharing Mr./Coach T, he is fondly remembered and much missed. May God Bless You during this difficult time.

Debra Fellner

Though I have long ago moved from Hartford, I know that much of Van Buren County will greatly miss and reflect on "MR. HHS". He loved his chosen career and it was obvious. Much of what I learned in Mr. T's class contributed to me taking off on my own, traveling the country, getting my Business/American Jurisprudence Degree and knowing that a bubble headed '80's blonde HHS cheerleader could break out of the stereotype, get a financial edge, start and run the family's medical practice. Much more than that, be able to make a difference in a small southern town. May God bless your family in this time of loss. I pray you find joy in knowing that his life was a blessing to so many. Brenda (Brandon, Mississippi)

Brenda (Bolton) Tamburino Class of 1984

I can't even find the right words that would do justice to such a wonderful person. Mr. Teske made a huge impact on my life as well as many others in my family. He cared for his students beyond the classroom. What a great example he has set for many. How lucky Hartford has been to have had him in their school system. For all the lives he has touched, he has truly made this world a better place. The memories will last a lifetime. Pay it foward........

Magdalen (Schaner) Dygert

Like countless others, I was fortunate enough to have Mr. Teske as a teacher. He was one of the few teachers in high school that really stood out from the rest and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being in his government class. His enthusiasm, humor, sharp wit, and knowledge of government caused me to become more engaged in the class. He just made everything so enjoyable and was truly one of the best teachers I or anyone could ever have. I'm so grateful to have known him and to have had such a wonderful person invest time and knowledge with nothing short of excellence. My heart goes out to the family. Mrs. Teske, you're in my thoughts and prayers.

Joe Wehmann

To Mr T, you were such an inspiration to me and I know to many others. You will be truely missed. I learned so much from you and you always made learning fun. You were one of my favorite teachers. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs Teske and his family.
A poem: Best Teacher
With a special gift for learning
And with a heart that deeply cared,
You added a lot of love
To everything you shared,
And even though
You mean a lot,
You'll never know how much,
For you helped
To change the world
Through every life you touched.
You sparked the creativity
In the students whom you taught,
And helped them strive for goals
That could not be bought,
You were such a special teacher
That no words can truly tell
However much you're valued
For the work you did so well.