Melvin Dwayne TeKolste

On October 30, 2021, Melvin Dwayne TeKolste left this earth for his heavenly home at the age of 90. Melvin was born Feb. 23, 1931, to Carl and Dillie TeKolste and grew up on a farm near Hickman, NE, with his sister, Shirley and brother, Larry. Raised in a Christian family, Melvin lived a life that focused on service to others, especially children. He graduated from Hickman High School and then served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He earned an undergraduate degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a graduate degree in education from the University of Nebraska.

On Aug. 3, 1957, he married Eilene Maticka of St. Paul, NE, a Lincoln schoolteacher he met while attending a young adult church event. Together they raised two children, Pam (Jim) Cassel of Lincoln, NE and Gary (Michelle) TeKolste of Highlands Ranch, CO.

Melvin taught in Auburn and Waverly, NE before becoming an elementary principal at Stoddard Elementary & Lincoln Elementary Schools in Beatrice, NE. He was a principal with Beatrice Public Schools for 33 years.

Melvin was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church, Beatrice, NE for over 60 years. He served on numerous committees and boards for the church. He was also a long standing member of the Kiwanis Noon Hour Club in Beatrice and also served as the Kiwanis District President. He believed in the mission of this group to serve children in the local community and beyond.

Melvin was diagnosed with ALS in 2012 and courageously lived his life as independently as possible while fighting the disease. Melvin’s family would like to thank ALS in the Heartland for their support as well as the caregivers who helped him during the past nine years.

Melvin was very proud of his family and took great pleasure interacting with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He played games with them, attended their special events, and especially enjoyed teasing them and making them laugh.

Melvin is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Eilene (Maticka) TeKolste; children, Pam (Jim) Cassel, Gary (Michelle) TeKolste; brother, Larry TeKolste; grandchildren, Laura (Scott) Andrews, Alyssa (Quinn) Conley, Jeff (Rachel) Cassel, Ryan TeKolste; great-grandchildren, Margaret, Charlotte, Joseph, Grace, Ellen; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Shirley TenHulzen, and infant granddaughter, Danielle TeKolste.

Visitation will be at 9:00 followed by a celebration of life at 10:00 on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at the Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. 6800 S 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512. A light lunch will be served afterward. Masks are required. Service will be live streamed go to Lincoln Memorial Facebook page and like under Melvins name.

Memorials can be sent in memory of Melvin to ALS in the Heartland https://alsintheheartland.org/how-to-help/ or to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund https://www.kiwanis.org/childrens-fund/give