Richard Paul Teske

Richard Paul Teske, of Arlington, Virginia, died on August 11, 2014 at Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C., of complications from cancer. Richard was born on May 8, 1949 in Chicago to Marguerite Paul Teske and Frederick Teske. He grew up in the Midwest, primarily in Minnesota. Both parents preceded him in death. He is survived by the love of his life, Judi Teske, his wife of nearly 23 years. He is also survived by his sister Patricia Stoven (Roger), niece Kirstin Lund (Chris), nephew Reed Stoven (Samantha) and many other relatives and friends. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Minnesota, Duluth, class of 1971, and was Student Body President. He was awarded the Sieur du Lhut award as the outstanding graduating senior. He later studied at the London Business School and the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. Beyond his formal education Richard was a Renaissance man with well-developed interests in architecture, politics, international relations, history, philosophy, rhetoric and classic cars. His knowledge was vast and encyclopedic. His heroes were Frank Lloyd Wright, Winston Churchill, and Ronald Reagan. Richard began his career as a young man in a hurry. He quickly established himself as a "go-to guy" in Minnesota politics, managing more than 150 local and state campaigns from 1971-1974 as Field Director and Director of Policy and Field Operations for the Minnesota Republican Party. In the following years, from 1974-1980, he directed legislative research in the Minnesota State Senate, was government and public affairs director for the Minnesota Medical Association and the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, prior to being Special Assistant for U.S. Senator David Durenberger (R-MN). He was also the youngest Republican nominee in Minnesota history for State Treasurer in 1978. From 1981-1988, Richard served at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). He held a variety of political positions, including Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, HHS/White House Liaison, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Conference on Social and Economic Policy, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Director of Public Affairs and Associate Administrator of the Health Care Financing Administration (Medicare and Medicaid). From 1988-1996, he was a Corporate Officer and Vice President, heading the Washington Office of Government Relations and Public Policy for the international pharmaceutical company Burroughs Wellcome. This was followed by work at the Progress and Freedom Foundation and establishment of his own consulting firm, Strategic Advocacy LLC of Arlington, Virginia. He also served from 2000-2003 as a gubernatorial appointee to the Virginia Board of Health Professions. Throughout his years of public service Richard was well-known for his leadership and public speaking advocacy. One memorable moment was an appearance on "Nightline" with Ted Koppel to discuss Medicare reform. His arched eyebrow and clear responses (most beginning with "Indeed, Ted…") created an iconic moment for his awed co-workers. In addition to his business endeavors, from 2009-2012 Richard was a Senior Fellow/Lecturer at the University of Minnesota Masters of Advocacy and Political Leadership Program. He was very proud of his visiting lectureship. He commuted weekly from his home in Virginia to his classes in Duluth during the Minnesota winter, a daunting journey that testified to his intrepid commitment to education and his Lutheran disregard of the weather. For his service to the University, the state, and the nation, Richard Teske received an Honorary Doctorate of Laws Degree from the University of Minnesota in 2010. Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, August 17 from 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral home in Falls Church, VA. Funeral services will be held at St. Agnes Catholic Church, Arlington, VA on Monday, August 18 at 3 p.m. followed by interment at Columbia Gardens Cemetery. Memorial gifts may be made to the fund he established—the Richard Teske Sieur du Lhut Conference Fund (Fund 7297--payable to the University of Minnesota Foundation), University of Minnesota Duluth, 1049 University Drive, 315 Darland, Duluth, MN 55812 (attention: Tricia Bunten).