Robert Warren Teela's Obituary
Robert Warren Teela
On December 23rd, 2024, Robert at the age of 79 years and 39 days was called home to be with the lord.
Robert was born on November 14th, 1945, in Oshkosh, WI, to Russell Warren Teela and Grace Ann (Maley) Teela. The Teela family lived in Illinois until Bob was about seven years old when they moved to Monrovia, California. When Bob was about to enter 7th grade, they returned to Decatur, IL, where he attended St. Thomas Middle School, St Teresa High School, and graduated Decatur High School in 1963. Bob worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company for 40 years and was highly active in the union. He retired in 2004.
Bob’s younger years were spent working on his 1963 orange and black Corvette and entering drag races all over central Illinois. That ended abruptly when he seriously injured his right foot by a faulty lawn mower blade. He continued his love for cars and after retiring bought a 1988 Chevrolet truck and took it to many car shows in the Decatur area.
He married Doris Elaine (Trauernicht) Ferre on June 14th, 1986. They were not blessed with children together; however, from a previous marriage, he had a daughter, Renee. Renee gave them 4 grandchildren (Jolene, Travis, Brittney, Matthew) and 10 great-grandchildren (Mikayla, Ethan, Wyatt, Dayton, Hadley, Sophia, Layden, Parker, Sylvie and Finley).
Survivors: Daughter, Renee; 4 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sisters in law Elva Klekamp (William – deceased); Ellouise Sammetinger (John), Marcella Chesnut (Thomas – deceased), Kathy (Johnson) Trauernicht; 2 nieces, 3 nephews, 7 great-grand nephews and 2 great-grand nieces.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Parents in-law, brother-in-law, John and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday (12-30-2024) at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with visitation one hour prior to the service time. The burial will be in Graceland Cemetery following the funeral service.
Memorials may be made to: American Cancer Society or Donor’s Choice.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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