Harold C. "Harry" Teff - Morris Nilsen Funeral Chapel

October 27, 1940 - May 10, 2020


Harold Christian Teff passed away on May 10, 2020 at Martin Luther Manor in Bloomington, MN, at the age of 79.

Harry was born October 27, 1940 to Christian and Winifred (Casey) Teff. He and his twin brother were 5th & 6th of their 12 children (whom he affectionately called “the dirty dozen”) raised on their farm in Dorchester, Iowa.

Harry enlisted in the US Army in 1958 as an armored tank driver and mechanic and was stationed overseas in Germany and Korea. He was honorably discharged in 1964.

He met his future wife Donna at a softball game in Eitzen, MN in 1963. The two were married at Wilmington Lutheran Church on September 25, 1965, and raised a family of 3 boys in Waukon, Iowa, where Harry worked for the city of Waukon asthe head mechanic and served with the Waukon volunteer fire department for 25 years.He served multiple roles for the fire department such as truck captain, assistant fire chief, and fire chief.

In 1993 Harry and Donna relocated to the Twin Cities to be closer to family and work as a maintenance director for assisted living facilities.

Harry will always be remembered as a wonderful grandfather to his 10 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. He had a spirit of boyish fun and mischief and loved to be outside and garden.

He is survived by his wife Donna, sons Kim (Heather), Cory (Nadine), & Troy (Tina Remme), grandchildren, Katelyn, Davis, Clarissa, Faith, Brooke, Morgan, Brandon, Connor, Hannah and Luke; great grandchildren, Kaden, Alia, Leo and Kjersti; brother, John (Paula) Teff; sisters, Phyllis (Dick) Knopes, Marlene (Bob) Meiners, Susie (Denny) Bresnahan, Janet (Bill) Majhenich, Barbara (Mark) Williams; sisters-in-law Sandra Meitrodt, Elaine (Neil) Stigen, MaryJo (Don)Snitker, Marcella Beneke and Annie Teff; brother-in-law, Karl Fetting. Preceded in death by parents, Chris and Winifred Teff; parents-in-law Louis and Palma Beneke; sisters Ruth (Earl) Watry and Jeanne Fetting, Marianne (Wally) Mahr,; twin brother Jerry; brother, Robert; brothers-in-law Roger, Lowell and Owen Beneke and Greg Meitrodt.

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37 Comments

  1. Barb Williams says:

    So sorry Donna and family. Loved Harry and will always remember him he was a wonderful brother when he was on leave he gave me a big panda teddy bear it met the world to me. Take care love you all. Barb Mark & Family ❤️

  2. Peter Grangaard Family says:

    My condolences to the family.

  3. The Malli Family says:

    We are sorry to learn of the passing of Harry. May he rest in peace and God Bless the entire Teff family at this difficult time.
    Our deepest sympathies and prayers for your family’s loss.

    The Malli’s.

  4. Brad Krambeer says:

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

    Brad Krambeer Family

  5. Michelle Malloy says:

    I’m so sad to hear of Uncle Harry’s passing. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers and sending peace during this difficult time. Much love, Michelle and Family.

  6. Joanne Ternus says:

    Our deepest condolences to all of you! Joanne and Lyle Ternus

  7. Jeanie Berger says:

    Donna and family, Just wanted you to know how sorry we are about Harry, he was a great guy always so friendly. You have a great family, saw Kim and some of kids in town when they were back had a nice visit. Take care and know we are thinking of all. Gus and Jeanie

    • Rick Herman says:

      Sorry for your loss Harry was a great guy served with him on the fire department.

      • Barb & Bruce Hanson says:

        So sorry 2 hear about Harry passing!! U r all in our Thoughts & Prayers. Big Hugs!! Take Care!! Love Ya!!❤❤

    • Scott Jenkins says:

      So sorry to hear about this; spent a lot of time at the Teff place growing up! Thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  8. Pam Benjegerdes says:

    So sorry. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers. HUGS!

  9. Elaine says:

    I am so sorry for your loss! Sympathy to the entire family! <3

  10. John and Paula Teff says:

    Our Condolences to Donna and the entire Teff family. Harry is with our Lord. God Bless. Love, John and Paula

  11. Mike Sawyer says:

    Prayers to the Teff family. Sorry for your loss!
    Mike Sawyer

  12. Martha Bennett says:

    To Donna and family, I am so sorry to learn of Harold’s passing. May God bring you comfort and peace that only He can provide. May the years of wonderful memories quickly replace the grief I know you feel.

  13. Shari Lubahn says:

    My deepest sympathy to your family. I remember Harry through fire department picnics. Cherish the many memories! Prayers of peace and comfort.

  14. Annie Teff says:

    Donna, I am so sorry to hear about Harry. Sending you love and prayers. ❤️

  15. Cletus&Norma Fish says:

    Deepest sympathy to the Teff Families on losing your one.

  16. Obert Johnson says:

    Sorry for your loss.
    Harry and Donna were our neighbors in Waukon, and Harry and had some good times Hunting. He called me Big O.

  17. Paul and Diane Carter says:

    Out condolences to Donna and family. Harry was a great guy, he always asked how things were going and took time to listen. Always had a funny quip to share. He will be missed.

    • Ann Lubinski says:

      I’m so sorry to see this, Donna. My heart hurts for you and your family. Prayers for God’s comfort and strength to help you during this journey. Hugs. Love you, Cousin Ann (Beneke) Lubinski

  18. Richard F Knopes says:

    Donna and family, our deepest sympathy on your loss. Harold was a great brother and will be missed. Phyllis and Richard

  19. Gloria Teff says:

    Donna, thinking of you and praying for you and your family. God bless.

  20. Jan Teff Majhenich says:

    Our condolences to Donna and the entire Teff family. It’s a sad time right now, but in time the tears will turn into wonderful memories. He is now in heaven with his Mom and Dad, brothers and sisters. Harry, I’m sure going to miss our phone chats. Love, Jan & Bill

  21. Murphy says:

    Donna, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
    Seems such a long time ago you were with us in Waukon. Randy loved working with Harry and serving on the Waukon Fire Dept together.
    Hugs and love at this sad time❤️

  22. Kristine Stock says:

    I am so sorry to hear Uncle Harry has passed may he rest in peace. My condolences to the family.

  23. Letha Ideker says:

    so sorry for your loss, payers for you and your family

  24. Virginia K Schwebach says:

    Donna, Rich and I are so sorry to hear of Harry’s death. Our friendship since fourth grade is something I treasure. Words cannot express our sadness as we mourn his passing. May Harry now be casting his fishing pole in heaven. Prayers to you and your family. Love, Gin

  25. DENNIS DEENY says:

    So sorry for the loss of Harry. He was a funny guy to be around always joking. May you all have great memories of him. God Bless your family.

  26. Rita Irons says:

    Love and prayers.

  27. Connie and Jim Wobse says:

    We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers go out to you and your family.
    Hugs.

  28. Joanne larson says:

    Donna, I a so sorry for your loss. Harold was such a nice guy. Always had a smile. You have my deepest sympathy.

  29. Karl and Dianne Bilbrey says:

    Donna and family, our deepest condolences in your loss. Take comfort in the support from each other and remember your many happy memories. Uncle Harry will be greatly missed.

  30. Myrna Renslo says:

    Donna—So sorry to hear of your loss. Sympathy and prayers are with you. I hope that the CHS class of ’65 can re-unite at some point in time, and that we will see each other then! Myrna Almo Renslo

  31. Dave Spiegler says:

    Donna, Kim, Cory and Troy – Will always remember Harry’s great smile and easy nature. We communicated a little over FaceBook the last few years and will miss that. Comfort, peace and prayers to all of you.

  32. JoAnn Peake says:

    Donna, so sorry to hear of your loss. I rather lost track of you guys, but remember the good years we had together. I still have the ceramic pitcher and bowl you made for me. God Bless you and yours, JoAnn Peake

  33. JoAnn Peake says:

    Donna, So sorry for your loss. I rather lost track of you guys, but remember our good years working at the school. I still have the ceramic pitcher and bowl that you made for me. God Bless You and yours!

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