Conrad I. Tegeler (1924-2021)

TEGELER, DIERS, KELCHEN, BARAGARY, OLBERDING

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/17/2021 at 09:09:34

Conrad I. Tegeler, 96, of Manchester, Iowa, passed away Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021. Visitation: 3 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2021, at Bohnenkamp-Murdoch Funeral Home, Manchester, where a Scripture Service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, from 9 to 10 a.m. Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Manchester, with Father Gabriel Anderson. Burial: St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Manchester.

Conrad was born Nov. 9, 1924, in Dyersville, Iowa, to Ulrich and Eugenia Tegeler. He was raised on the family farm west of Dyersville and attended Xavier schools, graduating with the Class of 1942.

While attending a dance with his friends in 1946 his sister introduced him to his future wife, Jeanette Diers. Conrad and Jeanette and were married Nov. 4, 1948, in Colesburg, Iowa. Conrad and Jeanette were married 69 years until Jeanette passed away in 2019.

The newlyweds moved to Manchester, where Conrad went to work for an oil distributor. In 1963 Conrad and Jeanette started their own business, Tegeler Oil Company, a franchisee of Continental Oil Company (CONOCO). His ambitious, outgoing and friendly personality led to success and the company eventually expanded to multiple tank wagon delivery routes and gas stations. He sold the company in 1986. After a short retirement Conrad purchased a farm and began selling real estate for F&M Realty. Conrad and Jeanette loved to travel - they were fortunate to have visited all 50 states, and Europe. One of his most memorable experiences was crossing through the Berlin Wall into East Berlin during the Cold War.

Conrad enjoyed life to the fullest with his family and friends, bowling and golf leagues, card club, pool tournaments in his basement, driving his boat while pulling his children, nieces and nephews on water skis, riding his bike, and driving out to check on the crops. Conrad loved life and always was ready for a new adventure. In his 80s he embraced technology so he could easily communicate with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Conrad was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church for more than 70 years, where he served as parish council president and usher. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Chamber of Commerce, Manchester Golf Club, Hartridge Golf Club, The Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Stores Association of Iowa and Iowa Oil Jobbers Association.

Family was most important to Conrad. He is survived by his children, Michael (Janet), David (Verla) and Susan Kelchen (Joe) of Manchester and Kathy Baragary (Ken) of Marion; son-in-law, Tom Erceg of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren, Mark, Jennifer, Matt, Laura, Michelle, Kristin, Stephanie, Sarah, Tim, Elizabeth, Abigail, Jonathon, Travis and Megan; 15 great-grandchildren; his sister, Eileen Olberding; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeanette; daughter, Charlene; his parents; brother, Larry; and sister, Kathleen Joester.

Conrad's family wishes to extend their sincere thank-you to the staff at The Meadows and Good Neighbor Home who truly loved Conrad and treated him like family.

In lieu of flowers, please support Camp Courageous and St. Mary's Catholic Church and School.

Please share a memory of Conrad at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.