Jerrell Dean Teltow

Jerrell Dean Teltow, 84, passed away Monday, December 20, 2021. Born September 25, 1937 in Logan County Arkansas to Mary Ola and Author Emil Teltow. Jerrell was one of five boys and one girl along with two step brothers. He was chosen to be the delegate going to “Arkansas Boys State” for the Greenwood High School in Arkansas he attended. While there he was asked to sing a song, he chose “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” He was an inspiration to his brothers.

After graduation he went to Austin, Tx. to attend business school. Jerrell met Dorlene Houy of Fredericksburg Tx., where she also was attending the business school. In 1959 they married and had three daughters.

He was in the National Guard for 9 years. And was mainly based in Ft. Polk Louisiana holding the title of Sargent. Jerrell spent his lifelong career in freight management. He is known best for his 30 plus year career with Central Freight Lines. Starting as a rate clerk in Waco, promoted several times throughout his career, and retiring as the Eastern Division supervisor. Jerrell worked at the Austin, Waco and Bryan offices. His career with Central was something he did very well and was extremely proud of.

November 1993, Jerrell married his wife Patsy Jane Lackey Heine of San Saba. Jerrell welcomed her four children and many grandchildren into his heart. Jerrell and Patsy lived in Austin, Arkansas, Salado, and finally found their forever home in Burnet. Together they shared their dog baby, Shiba whom they considered their small but mighty guard dog.

Jerrell became a member of the Noon Lyons Club in 1980. His largest life contribution, one that he was extremely proud of, was his involvement as a Mason and Shriner. Jerrell was a member of the Masonic Lodge with the Karem Temple in Waco, receiving his 50 year certificate. In 1975 he became a Shriner, part of the Arabia Temple in Houston and then transferred to the Ben Hur Temple in Waco in 1995. He will always be remembered by his family for driving his green and yellow car, as a Lizzyteer, in parades to raise awareness for the organization. It was easy to see his kind heart and charm in moments like that.

His biggest accomplishments though, were not his career or commitment as a Shriner; but his family and family in the community he began to create. Neighborhood watchman, big hearted, full of life, storyteller, thoughtful, caring, and a good man are all words that were often used to describe him. The first one to greet you and the last one to leave. The man in the room with the biggest smile. The gift of gab, some would say he could make a tree talk back to him. Most importantly, above all else; a husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Jerrell spent a lot of his free time researching on the computer, in libraries, and in town records of his family history. Driving to churches, cemeteries, and small towns of relatives all across central Texas, Arkansas, and Germany. And long chats with since past relatives were all part of what is considered to be a one of his greatest passions was his work in the Teltow family Genealogy. He was considered the family historian. A cherished family pasttime are the stories that he told from his childhood and numerous drives to surrounding towns while we’d listen to all of the knowledge he had about a historical site or how some distant relative was once there. For years he had been putting together information for a book of his family’s deep roots in Germany and of his ancestor’s past. Unfortunately, he was unable to complete the grueling task and it has since been passed on to his brother, John, whom the family is rooting for to finish the task.

Something Jerrell and Patsy shared very deeply together was the love of travel. They visited Cancun for their honeymoon, France, and Germany. While Patsy went for the fine food, culture, and sites. Jerrell went for the history, architecture, and people. Also, he along with two of his brothers, Johnny and Norman, took a trip to Germany in 2004. They were on a mission to visit the land the Teltow family originally descended from. He often talked about the family he had tracked down in Germany and the history behind Teltow, Germany. If you had ever had the pleasure of hearing that story, you were in for a real treat. He lit up when he got started on this topic. It wasn’t hard to find something he was passionate about, but his trip to Germany and the relatives there were one of his all-time favorites.

Jerrell and Patsy retired to Burnet Texas and found the love, care, and welcomeness of the entire community. They often ate at the Bluebonnet Café in Marble Falls and were active members of the First United Methodist Church. When his beloved wife Patsy passed, December 31, 2016, the people in the town became his rock.

He looked forward everyday to greeting his neighbors, picking up their trash cans, and spreading his joy, thoughts, and wisdom to them all. Jerrell could frequently be found walking the neighborhood with Shiba. Up until her passing Shiba was the thing that he could care for, just as he did for Patsy for so many years. Jerrell had so much love for the people in Burnet, and he knew of the love the people in Burnet had for him. He often spoke of the friends he had here, it was truly known by the family how much they cared for him. If anyone truly knew Jerrell, they know how much he cherished the Burnet community. He belonged to the Methodist Men’s where he found his place as the chaplain. It seemed though, that he became chaplain everywhere he went. He always enjoyed Friday night dinners at Mama’s, especially when Algerita Hill bluegrass band was playing or for 42 games. He could often be found at the Methodist Church for movie night, dinners, and morning worship. Most mornings, however, he spent at Storm’s, where he had more than a few coffee buddies. They become family to him, and to them he was family. He often spoke of Storm’s and took his family there. Little would he know that some in his family would consider Storms and their morning breakfast buddies’ family too. In fact, he was so proud to introduce anyone and everyone, even strangers, to his family. But, Jerrell didn’t know any strangers. Everywhere he went and anyone he met, he somehow figured out a way to touch that person. If you ever had a conversation with him it likely consisted of how proud he was of his entire family and the joy that their visits brought to him. Surly, he got in a touch of genealogy, politics, and maybe even health too.

One may not always share their emotions with a person, but with others. Because sometimes they are hard to convey to them. But, upon a time of reflection, when we listen to others, when we listen closely, you see how much one truly means. Jerrell shared his love and proudness he had for his kids and grandkids with his friends in Burnet. And with his kids and grandkids, he shared his love and proudness that he had for his friends.

Everywhere he went he was always helping someone, whether they needed it or not. He had broad shoulders and a helping hand. As he got older, he was the one that found himself in need of a helping hand although to proud to admit it. A proud man he was.

The Lord called him home. Away from his kids, away from the ones who loved him, away from this earth and into the heavenly spirits. With great sadness and rejoice; the Lord took his pain away, reestablished his broad shoulders that he never really lost, reunited him with his beloved wife Patsy and ancestors he talked so much about.

Father. Grandfather. Friend. Shriner. Neighbor. However you consider him, we all knew him as the same; The Man with the Biggest Smile and the Friendliest Face. Jerrell Dean Teltow.

His two living brothers were asked to write lasting memories and thoughts of their brother.

By brother John,

“When we were young and it was very cold his electric blanket shorted out and caught fire in the wee hours of the morning. He threw it out of the second story window and it laid there smoldered for three days. Jerrell was such a mentor and inspiration to me. He called me on the phone in 1969 and asked if I wanted to go to work with Central Freight Lines. That changed my life forever, I was there for 26 years…Jerrell always said, “To get ahead in this life you must know your job and everybody else’s,” he was right.

Jerrell, Norm, and myself took a trip to Germany in 2004. It was most memorable. Just imagine, three brothers taking a trip to the old home land together. I will never forget that most wonderful time being with my brothers. Jerrell would mention going to Arkansas. I knew what that meant, I would be the designated driver. We shared a lot on those trips which will be treasured forever. To me Jerrell was smart, caring, and witty. He was also a great Dad.

So long big brother. I will always remember you and what you meant to all of us. We love you.”

By brother Norm,

“The brothers; Jerrell, John, and Norman came together to make a visit back to “die Stadt Teltow” the Town of Teltow. After the long flight and auto ride the brothers were ready for coffee and pastries. There was a bakery in the town square, a great place to stop. Upon entry there were very tempting sweets, of which everyone found just what was wanted. During the morning snack I was trying to communicate to the baker the reason for the visit. I did not speak German and the baker spoke/understood very little English. Of course, Jerrell and John were also trying to communicate with the baker and having a good time!

As a last resort I pulled out my driver’s license and showed it, explaining three brothers from America had returned to Teltow. The baker animatedly called out “MaMa we have TELTOW’S IN TELTOW!” Then everyone started laughing! Being a great trip the three brothers never forgot.

I’m thankful that John and I had such a great last visit with you. It was like old times, laughing and telling stories. I love you brother.”

Jerrell is preceded in death by his wife Patsy; Mother and Father; Brothers; Glenn, Bill, Alfred, and Albert, and Sister; Geniva DeVazier

He is survived by his daughters; Sandy Conner and husband Rick Conner of Lyons Tx., Connie Eckhardt and husband Bernie Nelson of Fredericksburg Tx., Karen Peterson and husband Craig Peterson of College Station Tx., Step-children; Jerry Heine and Wife Elizabeth Heine of Virginia Beach, Alan Heine and wife Catherine Heine of Austin Tx., Adrienne Marshall of Cedar Park Tx., and Bobby Heine. His grandchildren; Jessica Eckhardt Burrow, Steffanie Eckhardt Coleman, Kayla Peterson, Rainey Heine, Courtney Marshall, Michael Holt, Greyson Heine. And great grandchildren; Jaci Burrow and Lexi Burrow. Brothers; Johnny Teltow and wife Cheryl Teltow of Fort Worth, Norman Teltow of Colorado, and brother-in-law Dave DeVazier of Arkansas.