Egons Bruno Teteris

Egons Bruno Teteris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, teacher and friend, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on July 4, 2025 in Fresno, California. He was 76 years old.

Born in a displaced person’s camp in Memmingen, Germany, Egons began life amid upheaval following the occupation of Latvia. Brought to America by his parents as a young child, he spent summers picking tomatoes in a migrant worker camp and entered kindergarten without speaking a word of English. During high school he rose early to help his parents clean offices and washed windows after classes, embodying resilience and a tireless work ethic.

Egons graduated from Ventura High School, earned an Associate of Arts from Ventura College, completed a Bachelor of Arts and obtained his teaching credential from California State University, Fresno.

Egons devoted 30 years to educating and uplifting students in what became Central Unified School District. Hired initially at McKinley/Roosevelt before the district’s formation, he went on to teach at Roosevelt, Steinbeck, Teague, Rio Vista and other campuses. He coached track, advised 4-H and Odyssey of the Mind teams, was a district Mentor teacher, and championed technology in the classroom—securing grants that brought some of the district’s first computers to students. He also supported a local group home as a special education resource teacher.

Known for patience and humor, Egons made every party or holiday an occasion for community and laughter. He had a dry sense of humor scattered with puns, tended his rose garden, played games with family and friends, collected baseball cards, cheered for his beloved Dodgers, enjoyed attending concerts and theater, and tested his luck “up the mountain” playing blackjack. Travel, family gatherings, playing with his grandsons, and the simple joy of being present with loved ones brought him his greatest happiness Egons faced many serious health challenges with grace, positivity and lighthearted humor. He never complained about his limitations and treated each day as a gift…leaving a legacy of love, laughter, perseverance and acceptance in the hearts of all who knew him.

Egons was born on New Year’s Eve amid fireworks and died with fireworks on the 4th of July…his Independence Day…freedom from his wheelchair and hospitals. Please think of him with joy every time fireworks light up the sky!

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Debra Teteris; son Andris Teteris (Sarah); daughter Ariana Wood (Jason); three adoring grandsons Maksims, Cooper, and Oliver; and siblings Inese, Eriks and Ziguards Teteris. He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna and Eriks Teteris.

The family would like to thank his many doctors, especially Lee and Greg Copeland, Dr Moffett, his Community Home Health nursing staff, CCI infusion Center, the staff at the wound clinic, and Bristol Hospice for their wonderful care.

A casual celebration of his life will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home (836 E Nees Ave) on Friday, September 19 from 4:00-7:00 PM. Come and go or come and stay. Former students, colleagues, family, and friends are all welcome to mingle and share memories.

Egons…your joy and spirit will live on in every life you touched.