LODI - Earl Robert Teela, age 84, passed away on Oct. 16, 2024, at the Dove Health Care Center from complications of a stroke.

He was born Aug. 9, 1940, the son of Harris and Helen (Smith) Teela in Madison, Wisc.

Earl was a graduate of the 1959 class at Rich East High, Park Forest, Ill.

He served his country in the U.S. Army in the 101st and 82nd Airborne alongside with his brother, Ed.

Earl married RaeNa (Matthews) on Feb. 26, 1972, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Monona, Wisc.

He worked as a postal carrier for 34 years and a member of the Postal Carriers Union for over 55 years.

Earl had many interests including his number one love aside from his family was golf, where he spent many hours at the Lodi Golf Course. After retirement he worked part time at the Lodi Piggly Wiggly to support his golfing fees. He was fortunate to get two, hole in one, one at the Lodi Golf Course. He also played slow pitch in his younger years, pitched horseshoes, and bowled on an all brother bowling team. He rolled a 300 game at the old Lodi Bowl. He also liked deer hunting, fishing and just enjoyed spending times with his family and extended family friends.

In addition to his wife RaeNa of 52 years, survivors include his son, Carter (Jennifer Campaion); their daughter, Lauren Teela and two stepdaughters, Haley and Meghan; his daughter, Heather (Jason) Rasmussen, with two sons, Bennett and Ari Rasmussen; sisters-in-law, Dyanne Teela and Lana (Mark) Mangold; two stepsisters; two stepbrothers; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Richard Peterson; stepmother, Joan Teela; his brother, Edward Teela; and two stepbrothers, Donald Teela and Billy Peterson.

Earl made many friends in his lifetime and was always there to help, especially if someone needed help with a golf problem.

Prayer services will be held at ST. MAXIMILIAN KOLBE PASTORATE AT ST. PATRICK CHURCH, 521 Fair St., Lodi, at 11 a.m., Monday, October 21, 2024, with Fr. Simon Tipps presiding. Burial with military honors will be in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON LODI FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 157 S. Main St., Lodi, Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and again on Monday, from 10 a.m. to the time of the service at the church.

We want to thank Agrace Hospice for all the care they gave Earl and help they gave his family. Also, Dove Health Care in Lodi for their services. All the nurses and doctors that treated Earl while at the U.W. Hospital.

For more information and online condolences please visit www.gundersonfh.com

Gunderson Lodi

Funeral & Cremation Care

157 S. Main St.

(608) 592-3201

Earl Teela

August 09, 1940 - October 16, 2024

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