John Michael Teising passed away peacefully on October 20, 2024 following a hard-fought battle against Multiple Myeloma. He was born in Vincennes, IN on September 27th, 1954 and was the youngest of Otto and Margaret (Clifton) Teising’s four children.
He grew up in Vincennes, playing and excelling at both baseball and basketball. John graduated from Rivet High School in 1972. He went on to receive a bachelor’s in fine arts from St. Bernard College in Cullman, Alabama. He enjoyed his years in college playing both baseball and basketball at the collegiate level.
John was drafted in the 9th round (206th overall) by the Cleveland Indians Baseball organization. He was a left-handed pitcher for several minor league teams including the 1976 Batavia Trojans, 1977 Waterloo Indians, 1978 Jersey City Indians and the 1979-80 Chattanooga Lookouts.
Upon leaving baseball, John started his 30-year career as an ironworker in Vincennes, Indiana. He took on the responsibility of union president and later became plant manager. Once retiring, he began working for INDOT as a road construction tech and inspector. His greatest accomplishment in this job was his work on I-69, which spanned from Evansville to Bloomington. He and Linda moved to Bloomington where John became very active in his community and HOA; first as board member and later as HOA president. John worked hard to make his community better and devoted many hours each week to this end.
John had many talents and interests. He spent a great deal of time on the golf course, both at home and on trips. His greatest accomplishment in golf was when he made a double eagle at Fox Ridge in Vincennes, IN. When interviewed by the local paper about the shot that achieved this, he stated “I won’t call it a slice. Let’s call it a controlled fade”. Over the years, he made an impact on the lives of numerous young people as a coach and mentor. He especially enjoyed coaching his two sons through American Legion ball, and at Rivet and Lincoln High Schools. Many recall their trepidation facing his pitching during batting practice due to his speed, but also loved having him as a coach. When the opportunity arose, he became a marching band dad, traveling to competitions and working concessions. Later in life, he began traveling and enjoyed visiting places all over the country; some favorite locations included Islamorada, FL, Zion National Park, and Grand Canyon National Park. When he moved to Bloomington, John developed quite a reputation for jet ski speed and stunts among his friends as they watched him from their boats or decks. John liked anything he could work on with his hands. He spent many happy hours “puttering” in his garage with autos and lumber. He shared that knowledge with his children; all of whom are capable weekend mechanics thanks to his instructions. He loved Indycar racing and went to the Indianapolis 500 for over 30 years, an annual ritual which he loved sharing with his daughter.
While all these hobbies kept him occupied, the most important parts of John’s life were his family and friends. He loved and worried about his three children every day and expanded his heart to love and worry about two more when he met, then married, their mother. He could frequently be found coaching from the bleachers at his grandson’s baseball, football, and basketball games. John took his grandchildren on many adventures, including camping, hiking, and attending stage productions with them. His grandsons always delighted in his willingness to play on the floor, be a horse, or do any activity to which he was invited. His friends were legion, and he was diligent in keeping in touch with those from his childhood, college, work, and baseball years.
John was predeceased by his parents, Margaret and Otto, brother, Raymond Teising, brother Robert Teising, and sister, Mary Teising. He is survived by his wife, Linda (Mothershed,) children John Teising Jr., Jason Teising (Emily,) Abbie Pielemeier (Derek,) two bonus sons, Connor (Shelby,) and Jacob Mothershed, and seven grandsons, Nolan, Eli and Gavin Teising, Reid and Wade Pielemeier, and William and Benjamin Mothershed, as well as a host of cousins, in-laws, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
The family wishes to thank the physicians, medical staff, and support personnel at the IU Simon Cancer Center for their care, dedication, advocacy and support during John’s battle. Memorial gifts may be made to the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center for the Miles for Myeloma Fund. Please make checks payable to: IUF/Miles for Myeloma and mail to IU Foundation; PO Box 7072; Indianapolis, IN 46207-7072. Indicate “In memory of John Teising” on the memo line. You may also make donations online at give.iu.edu and type “Miles for Myeloma” in the search box for the correct account.
John’s Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 10th at Allen Funeral Home, 4155 S Old State Road, Bloomington IN, 47401. Calling hours will be from 2-4 PM with service at 4:00. Come prepared to share stories if you wish. Following the service, friends and family are invited to Sahms Restaurant, 2250 East Pointe Rd Bloomington IN to continue the celebration of his life. Interment will be on Monday, November 11 @ 11:00 AM in Mount Calvary Cemetery, 729 Willow St. Vincennes IN. Those who wish to may gather following interment at the Knights of Columbus, 401 Felt King Road, Vincennes, IN to raise a glass to our beloved John.
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