Iowa’s oldest veteran dies at Iowa Veterans Home

Floyd Teske, the oldest veteran in Iowa and a resident at the Iowa Veterans Home, died at the facility Monday at the age of 106.

"He had a huge impact on the people here," said Michael Hines, staff assistant to the commandant at IVH. "At 106 years old, he lived a full life."

Teske was born July 10, 1906 and is a native of Decorah. In a previous interview with the Times-Republican, Teske said he remembered when World War I ended when he was 12 years old.

"Early one morning the fire whistle in Decorah sounded for a long period," Teske said. "It was blown in celebration of the war's end."

Teske played a more pivotal role in World War II, serving his country overseas in the U.S. Army. He entered the Army at the age of 36 in May 1942 and was discharged in October 1945. Teske represented the United States in battles and campaigns held in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Holland and Germany. After his service, Teske spent much of his career working in a funeral home.

He seemed proud of his longevity even saying, "I'm not ashamed of it," when he turned 105 years old.

Teske had been a resident at IVH since 2007 and was beloved by the staff there. He amazingly lived on his own in Burlington until the age of 100. He was married to his wife Helen for 32 years and the couple had no children.

http://www.thielenfuneralhome.com/obituary/Floyd-Carl-Teske/Burlington-IA/1156446
“”Floyd Teske, 106, died on Monday December 31st at the Iowa Veterans Home in Marshalltown.

Floyd Carl Teske, Burlington, was born July 10, 1906 at home in Pleasant Township, Winneshiek County Iowa, the son of August and Emma (Fisher) Teske. He graduated from Decorah High School and lived in Winneshiek County until entering the military. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942 to 1945 during World War II in the European theater. He was a dental technician and assisted in the repatriation of departed soldiers. He earned Silver and Bronze Battle Stars in the European theater. Following his return to the states from military service, he attended Mortuary School in Des Moines and then came to Burlington to work in Giles Funeral Home as a licensed funeral director. He married Helen Holze in Burlington on February 14, 1947. They resided in Burlington. After Helen’s death in 1979, Floyd continued to reside in their home in Burlington until nearly 102, when he moved to the Iowa Veterans Home at Marshalltown. Prior to his death, he was honored as the oldest living veteran in the state of Iowa.

He was active in the Macomb fellowship of the Worldwide Church of God. He believed in the Holy Scriptures and had put his faith in Christ for salvation. He enjoyed studying the Scriptures and reading newspapers until his sight failed. He sharpened his eloquent speaking skills by being a member of the Toastmasters Club. Though he never owned a car or TV, he was a very contented man who remained active walking to the library and for groceries well into his 90s.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Arthur, and sister, Sadie. His beloved wife Helen died October 21, 1979. There are no other family survivors. He particularly appreciated his church family and then the workers at the Iowa Veterans Home.

The funeral service for Mr. Teske will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, January 3, 2013, at Thielen Funeral Home with Rev. Dean Graber officiating and full military honors rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery.””

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