Richard C. Tegethoff

The kind and gentle cowboy, Richard C. Tegethoff, 89, died Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017, at Washington County Hospital. Born April 30, 1928, in Washington, Kan., he was the son of Naomi and Bernard Tegethoff. Dick married the love of his life, Bonnie Jean Schank, on Oct. 9, 1949, in Hanover, and they celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary this past week. They are members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Dick was the long-time mailman in Washington. He also served as a deputy for the Washington County Sheriff’s Department and was employed by Raymond Bott Realty and Auction. Dick had a life-long love of horses. Nothing made him prouder than to ride with his family on their paint horses at the Washington County Fair parade. That love of horses was passed down to his granddaughter, Sara. His second love was telling stories and enjoying a good laugh and he never knew a story he couldn’t embellish. He was very active in the Washington community, where he served on the Washington Volunteer Fire Department, and was the fire chief; he was the emergency preparedness coordinator for Washington County, and was a long-time treasurer of the Washington County Fair Board. Dick was a member of the Washington Rotary Club and served as president. He was the recipient of Rotary’s Paul Harris Fellowship. He was a member of the Washington County Rodeo Club. He was president of the Washington Golf Course and was club champion one year, the only time he beat his good friend Bert Chapin. A World War II veteran of the Navy, Dick served in the Seabees in Guam. If you asked or even if you didn’t, he was more than happy to sing his rendition of the Fighting Seabees song for you. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, of the home; a daughter, Pamela (Tom) Throne,Bentonville, Ark.; a granddaughter, Dr. Sara Steinlage, Bentonville, Ark.; a great grandson, Cole Steinlage, Bentonville, Ark.; a brother, Vernon (Janice) Tegethoff, Washington; a sister, Ileen (Lane) Lummus, Arroyo Grande, Calif; honorary granddaughters, Lauren and Erin Holtmeier. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann, a sister, Lorene Herrmann, and a brother, Duane Tegethoff. Pall bearers are: Luke Bott, Scott Tegethoff, Jimmy Jones, Lee Holtmeier, Neil Bekemeyer, Ryan Nelson, Dr. Bobby Neu, Dr. Garrett Stewart and Frank Reeb. Honorary Pall bearers are: Mike Neu, Dr. Max Beam, Dr. Tom Dragastin, Paul Dague, Terry Taylor, Raymond Bott, Glenn Bekemeyer, Bill Gerrish, Todd Gerrish, Cole Jueneman, and Kyler Jueneman. Funeral Services were at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 17, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Washington. Pastor Judy Hill officiated. Sheila Ouellette was organist. Lauren Holtmeier sang "Amazing Grace" and the congregation sang " "What a Friend We Have in Jesus." Sheila also played "Happy Trails" and "Navy Hymn." Pallbearers were Luke Bott, Scott Tegethoff, Jimmy Jones, Lee Holtmeier, Eric Bekemeyer, Ryan Nelson, Dr. Bobby Neu, Dr. Garrett Stewart and Frank Reeb. Honorary Pallbearers were Mike Neu, Dr. Max Beam, Dr. Tom Dragastin, Paul Dague, Terry Taylor, Raymond Bott, Glenn Bekemeyer, Bill Gerrish, Todd Gerrish, Cole Jueneman, and Kyler Jueneman. Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Visitation was on Monday, October 16th at 11-8pm with the family receiving family and friends from 5-7pm. Memorials are suggested to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Washington County Hospital and Washington Volunteer Fire Department. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Richard C. Tegethoff, please visit our flower store.