Roger Teeling
May 14, 1972 ~ April 21, 2020
Roger Joseph Teeling, 47, of Lisbon, Iowa, died April 21, 2020, at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. He died peacefully with his wife at his side, as a result of complications from a brain tumor. Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings because of the Covid-19 pandemic, private family services will be held. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services in Mount Vernon.
Roger was born May 14, 1972, at Sumner Community Hospital in Sumner, Iowa. Roger graduated from Sumner Community High School in 1990. He was a standout athlete in basketball, baseball, and golf. He attended Loras College in Dubuque where he majored in education. He played golf and basketball, and broke Loras' all time free-throw record while playing for the Duhawks.
Roger began his teaching career in Ventura, Iowa. From there he went to Denver, Iowa to teach fourth grade. While at Denver, he obtained his Master's Degree in School Administration from UNI. Another career move took him to Calamus-Wheatland for a brief stint; before landing in Lisbon as the elementary and middle school principal for the last 15 years.
Roger adored his wife and two daughters. They loved spending time together on Sundays at church. A family favorite was crawling in bed together at night to pray, talk about their day, and get their cuddles. He loved his job, the kids, and staff at Lisbon. His passions were kids, golfing with his dad, brothers, nephews and buddies, and hunting with his brothers, niece and nephews.
Roger was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; brother-in-law, Brad Niewoehner; and niece, Tori Jo Teeling.
He is survived by his parents, Les and Joyce Teeling; wife, Soraya; daughters, Brynn and Elena; siblings, Bruce (Elva Walker) Teeling, Sumner, Greg (Annette) Teeling, Sumner, Dave (Margaret) Teeling, Sumner, Nancy (Jerry Kluthe) Pierson, Oakdale, Minnesota, Kim (Rex) Nolte, Fredericksburg, Patty (Paul) Mechtel, Sumner.
Roger is also survived by in-laws, Freddie and Irma Vazquez; brother-in-law, Freddie (Jodi) Vazquez; sister-in-law, Irma (Geoff) Howley; many loving nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Roger's name will be set up with funds directed to the causes he was most passionate about.
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Roger brought me to Lisbon and allowed me to be apart of an amazing group of teachers. He was a great principal and person to work for. I always knew he had my back and was willing to help me when I needed it. One of Roger’s sayings that I will never forget was “Friday Eve” referring to Thursdays. During my interview he made it a point to talk about it to show the fun he wanted to make things. He made sure to say it during the morning announcements on Thursday morning. Even when I changed districts 3 years later, Thursday’s were, and because of Roger will always be Friday Eve. RIP my friend and Thank you! Love you buddy Tim
Roger hired me in 2010 to come to Lisbon from Minneapolis to run the Lecc and help build the new building. I could not thank him enough for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Roger was one of the best leaders that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I could confide in him about everything that the Lecc needed. After moving on from the Lecc the relationship remained as my children were still in the school system. I knew my kids were safe as he was always looking out for them and knew to call me if need be. Roger Teeling will truly be missed and can never be replaced. Golf all you want up there in heaven Roger. Keep getting those Hole in Ones!! 🙏🏼
I would get to school many days the same time as Roger in the mornings. I loved watching him interact with Elena as he walks her to the doors. I would sometimes wait for them to arrive while I was on the phone with my mom in the parking lot and then tell my mom, “Roger is here, time to go in”. He was always smiling! He would open the door for me tell me good morning. He was the first smile I would run into many mornings.
Roger was a great leader and friend to all. Prayers for comfort and peace to his family. With sympathy, Michael Reiling
Sending our thoughts and prayers through this difficult time! Roger was an outstanding man who always made everyone feel welcome. Brad & Andie Olson Osage, IA
I was able to work with Roger through my role with Grant Wood AEA. He was an excellent leader and I could tell the staff and students at Lisbon respected him as a leader and just really liked him as a person. He was easy to like. I am so sorry for your loss, his impact within the Lisbon community was immense. I am thinking and praying for all who loved him. He will be greatly missed.
Thank you, Roger, for everything you did for my children. When I was informed of my little boys peeing with a friend on the fence between the playground and Highway 30 during recess, you assured me there was nothing “wrong” with my kids. I was seriously beginning to wonder! When one of my boys was feeling helpless and down on himself for not getting good grades, you offered to meet with him everyday after school just to chat and see how his day went. You did this for an entire school year. My son’s attitude completely changed and he hasn’t fallen back into that emotional rut again. My son used to tell me, “I HAVE to meet with Mr. Teeling everyday”. Now, looking back, he says, “I GOT to meet with Mr. Teeling everyday.” He too realizes what a privilege it was for him to talk with you everyday. You touched countless lives in ways you probably could never imagine. Thank you for being the one and only you! Roger, my birthday buddy, you will be missed beyond comprehension.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to Roger’s family and friends through this difficult time. I’m truly at a loss, but so grateful to have gotten to know you and your wonderful family. The memories will never be forgotten. Heaven gained a great one. You will surely be missed. Dr. Paul and Jenny Ewert, New Hampton, IA
Les and family…I so sorry for your loss. Prayers for Roger and everyone in your family. God Bless you all! Mark Bigler
I was blessed to be one of Mr Teeling’s students years ago as a fourth grader at Denver. He was an amazing person and teacher. I will always remember a Social Studies unit that he taught about the Eastern region of the United States. He brought pickled herring and other local foods from that region and always made his teaching applicable to the real world and related life lessons to content also. I know that each student learned so much more from him than just what what was in a book. As a teacher myself I often remember the impact of teachers such as Mr Teeling. His life impacted many others in so many beautiful ways. He was always so proud of his family and spoke of them often. I am so sorry for the loss of such a wonderful soul. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this time.
Hansy and I are in great sorrow, may our risen Lord Christ comfort you all !! Blessed are they that die in the Lord!!
I met Roger in September of 1994 when he walked into my 5th grade classroom at Wings Park Elementary, in Oelwein, as a student teacher. It didn’t take long to realize he was special, a natural in the classroom. He was such a joy to work with. He was so enthusiastic, so gentle and caring. He quickly became popular with all the teachers when he would take extra recess duty so he could play with the kids outside. I remember the quiet times we sent at the end of each day talking about school but also about family, life experiences, hopes and dreams. Roger left Wings Park and I lost touch with him for many years, until we became reacquainted on Facebook. I knew Soraya was the love of his life and I was delighted to know they had married. My heart breaks for her, Brynn, Elena, the rest of his loving family, and his many friends. We were all so blessed to have known this special man and we will carry him in our hearts for the rest of our lives. He made a difference! I will keep you all in my prayers during this very difficult time. Jan Huff-Alexander
So sorry for you loss. Although Roger was behind me a ways I know many of the Teelings and have no doubt he made a great deal of difference in many lives through the years.
You will be missed by so many my friend. I’m glad we got to text one last time on Friday. I’m glad you got to try my Totally Rolled ice cream with your family. I’m sure I will make it for them again someday soon. I’m glad for the memories I have with you. Rest In Peace my friend/classmates RT👍
I have very fond memories of watching Roger play basketball on the court at Sumner High! My condolences to all of his family!! RIP Roger!!
To Margaret & Dave and all the Teeling family: Sorry to hear about Roger’s passing Roger will be at Peace when he knows you and the Teeling family are at Peace. You have a great family! We will pray for you in church Tom & Cathy Hagarty Cedar Falls IA.
Thoughts and prayers to the entire family. Roger and I have crossed paths many times over the past few years – he was not only well liked as Lisbon’s principal, he was well respected by many educators across Linn County. Proud to have known Roger. Always an Ace!
So sorry for your loss ! Our thoughts & prayers are with you during this very difficult time ! 🙏
Lisbon is crying a river. Roger, you are one of the nicest men i have ever met. A wonderful family man, a loving husband, and a terrific friend. I will miss that wonderful smile and gentle hug. We will be here for your family, so please dont worry. Until i see you again
Mr. Teeling was my 4th grade teacher. He and his wife visited me in the hospital and helped greatly. It’s something I will never forget. Such a great teacher, such a great person! He will live on in the memories of everyone he came across! My condolences to his family.
Roger was/is my elementary principal. It’s heartbreaking to hear that he passed away.😞😭. I want every one to keep Roger Joseph Teeling, Soraya(his wife), Brynn(his oldest daughter), and Elena(his youngest) in your heart and pray for their family.
I didn’t know Roger, but I knew Coach Teeling. I graduated Sumner High in 1968. I want to express my sympathies to all the family. God bless you all.
Our sympathy to the Teeling family. Roger was one of my sixth grade students in Sumner. Remember him as a batboy and having a hard head against a bat. Such a good golfer and would see him many times on the course. Pastor John and Sharon Sorenson
We are still in shock! This was so horribly sudden. We are so very sorry for your loss. Roger Teeling was so genuine and sweet. We are saying prayers daily for your family. Sweet little Elena was in Jake’s class. I can’t even imagine what she’s going through. Our love and support and prayers are with you. Sincerely, Jason, Marcie, Madison, and Jake Weber.
So many memories from back to the Duhawk Days until now. My most recent was in February when he asked me to his family for lunch while in DSM. When I got there I realized it was a surprise for Soraya! The small lil gesture made both our day. Rest peacefully, Rog!
I remember when I met Roger. Soraya brought him home to Buffalo Grove, IL. I met him at her house. Immediately, he just clicked with everyone. He always had that connection with people. I remember the joy in Soraya when they reconnected. I remember meeting Brynn for the first time at Lou Malnati’s Pizza. He was fond of the Chicago Pizza. And Brynn was attached to Soraya right away. Instant joy in all their faces. You just don’t meet people like The Teelings everyday. What an honor it was for me to have known Roger. I know you will watch over your loved ones. Thank you for the time you shared with us.
Sincere condolences to the entire Teeling family. Roger was as genuine and kind a person you could know… always smiling, thoughtful, positive. He was a great competitor and wonderful teammate. His impact on others and the community is clearly evident. Rest in Peace, Roger!
My deepest sympathies to the Teeling family. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Roger was an assistant boys’ basketball coach at Denver for me. He was wonderful. Not just his basketball knowledge but his contagious fun and positive attitude. He will be deeply missed. His whole family is in my prayers.
My deepest sympathies to all of the Teeling family. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. Most Sincerely, Sue (Frisch) Fellenzer Sumner class 1974
I’m gonna miss just calling you up, little brother. You were never too busy at work or anywhere to answer our calls. Many, many lovely messages about you everywhere – you were loved. So much like your Father it is unreal. Well, you’re on another Mission now, “Our Saturday”; may it be as successful as this one was. I’ll love you forever, Punky.
In loving memory of Roger Teeling, Remembering your “little” brother, Nancy, and thinking of you and all your family as you mourn his loss–thinking also of the poem I studied with your father: “To An Athlete Dying Young”–wishing you all the strength of eagles, the hope of rainbows, and the undying comfort of Our Savior . . . The Sebring-Huck family”
I was Roger’s student teaching supervisor. He was a 5yr senior and did not want to move back to Dubuque for a semester. Clem Steele, head of Loras’ Education Department was a fellow Waukon native and former colleague, talked to me and we arranged for him to do his work at Oelwein and I (as Academic Dean at Upper Iowa University) would supervise. I harassed Roger because he came off the bench and sank a very long three-pointer with 2 seconds left to beat Upper Iowa! I won’t forget that shot, but I gave him an “A” anyway. Les and Joyce were old family friends also. Clete Althoff, a cousin of Les’, was my dad’s best friend. I played a few rounds of golf with Les, in the day. Roger was a great young man and I was proud to be an element of his career and life. My deepest sympathy to all the family. What a tragic loss.
Hello, my name is Morgan and I visit Lisbon once a month through our Education Outreach Program. Mr. Teeling always made sure to say hello each visit and called me by name. He was such a friendly face and my thoughts and prayers are with the students, teachers, faculty and with his family!
I just heard about Roger’s passing and wanted to convey my sympathies to the family. Roger was a great guy and will be missed. He always had a kind word and a smile. I mainly knew him through golfing at New Hampton and also knew his Dad through the school. May he rest in peace.
My name is Andrew I was a student of Rodgers
Me and him had a personal conversation after I mentioned my dad had passed he talked about an old man across the street he used to see when he was younger and how devastated he was when he heard he passed unfortunately a month later I learned of Rodgers passing and instead of feeling sad I brought his memory with me