Orlan Eugene (Gene) Teske, 78, died Wednesday, May 21, 2014, at his home in Onaga, of pancreatic cancer.   

He was born April 26, 1936 at the home of his parents, Arthur L. and Stella Mae (McCloughn) Teske in Onaga.  He had one sister, Edna Mae (Teske) Platt.

He was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Duluth and was a life-long member of the church.  He served as Chairman of the Congregation and also as Trustee and participated in two weekly Bible Study groups.

Gene graduated from Onaga High School in 1954.  He farmed with his Father and Delbert Platt until 1979 and then with Dennis Teske and Rezac Farms.  He worked in construction with Harry Honig and Duane Kufahl of Onaga, with Satisfaction Builders of Manhattan, McPherson Contractors and Kelly-Dahlstrom Contractors of Topeka, and with son-in-law Greg's Cornerstone Builders.  Like his Father, he was an excellent mechanic.  He served in the Army National Guard and Army Reserves for 9 years.

Eugene married Barbara Eggerling at St. Paul's on June 12, 1960.  They were blessed with three children, Debra Mae Schmelzle, Onaga, Michael Ray Teske, Palm Bay, FL., and Roger Jay Teske, Fairview, KS.  They lived in Onaga for 15 years and then moved to the home of his grandparents, Otto. E. and Amelia Teske, north of Onaga. 

Gene served on the Onaga Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years.  He was a charter member of the Onaga Young Farmers and the Kansas Young Farmers and earned the Mechanics Award in 1968.  Gene was a school bus driver for the Onaga Grade School before unification and for USD #322 beginning in l958.  He also served on the Manhattan Co-op Board for two terms.

After he retired he enjoyed the fellowship of the coffee shop, at least once, and often two times a day.  In his final months he was supported by and cared for by Grace Hospice.

Eugene was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Edna Mae Platt in 1959.  He is survived by his widow, Barbara of 53 years, children, Debra (Greg), Michael (Lisa) and Roger (Jane);  six grandchildren, Rachel Mae (Lucas) Shivers, Manhattan, Emily (Galen) Anderson, Kansas City, Joel (Elana) Schmelzle, Seattle, WA, Kira (Christopher) Austin, Winchester, VA, Sydney Teske, Winchester, VA and Amber Teske, Wichita, KS, one great grandson, James D. Shivers, two nieces, JoLynn Platt Barnes, and Jayne (Kent) Platt Jepson, eight cousins and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 28th at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.  Burial with military honors will follow in the Onaga Cemetery.  Gene will lie in state after 12:00 noon on Tuesday at the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Onaga where a Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 p.m., followed by visitation until 8:00.  Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Church or Grace Hospice, and may be sent in care of the funeral home, PO Box 312, Onaga, KS  66521.  In lieu of flowers Gene requested a contribution to one of the memorials, or to the charity of your choice.  On-line condolences may be made at chapeloaksfuneralhome.com.