Mary Eilene TeKolste

On October 23, 2025, Mary Eilene TeKolste left this earth for her heavenly home at the age of 90. Eilene was born at home on Feb. 2, 1935 to Paul and Myrtle Maticka. She was the oldest of three girls, growing up on a farm near Elba, NE with sisters, Marian and Pauline. The Fairdale Methodist Church was an important foundation for her life. She was baptized there and she, along with her sisters, sang duets during Sunday services. As Eilene’s faith grew, she was confirmed in 1950 at the St. Paul Methodist Church.

Eilene had many talents and interests. She was an avid bird-watcher, a dedicated gardener, and superb cook. Her breads, pies, and kolaches were family favorites.

She began school as the only student in the District 20 schoolhouse, near Elba. Later, she attended District 21 and was valedictorian of the class of 1952 at St. Paul High School. She earned a Normal Training Certificate during her high school years and, at the age of 17, taught at Spring Creek School, a one-room schoolhouse north of Cushing, NE. Eilene was a student at Nebraska Wesleyan University from 1953-1956 and graduated in 3 years with a major in education and minors in history and psychology.

In 1956, Eilene taught at Randolph Elementary School in Lincoln. During that same time period, she met the love of her life, Melvin and after a brief courtship, they were married on Aug, 3, 1957. The couple moved to Beatrice in 1958, where Mel became an elementary principal.

Eilene and Mel became lifelong members of the Centenary United Methodist Church in Beatrice. In 2025, Eilene celebrated 75 years of membership in the Methodist Church. Her entire life was filled with service to her church, community, and family.

In 1977, Eilene began training to become a tax preparer and then worked for H & R Block for 20 years. In retirement, Eilene and Mel enjoyed travelling all over the USA, to Europe and to visit and shower love on their children and grandchildren.

Following a stroke in 2015, Eilene was cared for at Good Samaritan in Beatrice and then at Tabitha’s Harbor and Cove Houses in Lincoln. Eilene’s family would like to thank all of the caregivers who helped her during this time.

Eilene is survived by her children, Pam (Jim) Cassel, Gary (Michelle) TeKolste; sister, Pauline (Jim) Harding; grandchildren, Laura (Scott) Andrews, Alyssa (Quinn) Conley, Jeff (Rachel) Cassel, Ryan (Emily) TeKolste; great-grandchildren, Margaret, Charlotte, Joseph, Grace, Ellen, Leland, Ruth; many other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin D. TeKolste; her parents Paul and Myrtle (Schow) Maticka; her sister, Marian Odabasi; and her infant granddaughter, Danielle TeKolste.

Visitation will be at 9:00 am followed by a celebration of life at 10:00 am Saturday, November 22, 2025 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512 (Entrance #3). A light lunch will be served afterward.

Memorials can be sent in memory of Eilene to the following: Nebraska Statewide Arboretum or Food Bank of Lincoln serving the Lincoln area, including Beatrice.

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