John R. “Jack” Tegeler, age 82, of Dubuque, IA, passed peacefully into the arms of his beloved Jesus Christ on August 22, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center with his loving wife, Nancy and step-daughter, Sharlyn Waterman by his side.  To honor Jack’s life, a memorial mass will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 2215 Windsor Avenue, with Rev. Raymond Burkle officiating.  Family and friends of Jack’s are invited to join in fellowship for one hour prior to the service at the church.  Burial will be in the Mount Calvary Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Jack’s family.

Jack was born on December 15, 1942, in Davenport, IA, a son to Robert and Marion (Brown) Tegeler.  At the age of two the family moved to Dubuque.  Jack attended Trinity Catholic, Wahlert, and graduated from Loras College in 1966.  He married Sharon Snyder that year, but the marriage was annulled many years later.

Jack’s career was with John Deere as a territory manager in New Jersey.  After 23 years, Jack retired and pursued golf school in San Diego, CA.  He was proud of the fact that he was able to travel to Scotland and played many of the courses there including Carnoustie, The Old Course St. Andrew’s and many more.

Jack was a very kind and caring man and came back to the Tri-State’s to care for his aunt.  Later he moved to Tucson, AZ, where he was very active in the church, acting as Grand Knight and hosting Bingo nights and Thanksgiving food baskets for the needy.  While in Tucson, he delivered newspapers to over 600 customers.

Eventually, in 2013, Jack moved back to Iowa and formed his business, JT Promotions of which he was the proprietor.  Jack joined the Tri-State Singles group in 2013 and became president in 2014.  There, he met the love of his life, Nancy.  They married on October 23, 2015, and spent the next few years traveling.  Memorable trips were to Phoenix, Tucson, Traverse City, MI, and many trips to Laughlin, NV.

In 2016, “Mitzi” their dog came into their lives. She was his “little girl”.

Jacked enjoyed golf, euchre, karaoke, casinos, the Cubs and Bears and helping others.  He remained active with the Knights of Columbus through St. Mary’s Church in East Dubuque where he was a Eucharistic Minister up until 2023.

Jack and Nancy joined Holy Spirit Parish several years ago.  Jack was also proud to work at Oak Park Place as their driver for residents.  When he developed dementia, he had to resign, but he and Nancy continued to deliver communion to several residents.  The last two years of his life he had many medical challenges, including cancer.  Jack was blessed to live a full and abundant life and we will miss him dearly.

Those left to cherish the memory of Jack include,

his loving wife,
Nancy Tegeler, Dubuque, IA;

his favorite canine companion,
Mitzi;

his step-children,
Scott (Amy) Hoffmann, Castle Rock, CO,
and their son, Braedon,

Sharlyn (Cale) Waterman, Peosta, IA,
and their children and grandchildren, Tyler (baby Hazel) Donovan, Haley and son Malakai Donovan, Adlyn (Isaac Hogan) Donovan, Callie Waterman, Chloe (Trevor) Waterman, and daughter, Everleigh;

his favorite cousins,
June (Tim) Berntgen,
Janet (Steve) Hirsh,
Jack Anthony,
Jeff Anthony,
and Jerry Anthony;

along with numerous extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Karen Sue (David) Marso; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, a John R. Tegeler memorial fund has been established.

Jack’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be shared with Jack’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com