Gary Teall ’65

Gary Alan Teall, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, July 4 after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. He was truly loved and will be dearly missed by his family, including his wife of 53 years, Elaine Teall, son Eric Teall (Jenni), daughter Maggie Teall (Mark Beaver), daughter Kathy Teall (Nick Vartanian), his 8 grandchildren: Alissa, Robert, Graham, Lila, Charlotte, Grayson, Blake, and Kai and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents Alan and Frances (Hoover) Teall and his three siblings: Robert Teall, Marilyn Schrader, and Frances VanDyke.

Gary was born on October 28, 1943 in Holland, Michigan. His fondest childhood memories included learning to fish and hunt with his brother and dad, playing tennis at the Moran Courts, planting Christmas trees with his family north of Holland, and spending time playing in the alley with neighborhood friends. He graduated from Holland High School in 1961, where he played multiple sports but excelled especially on the tennis team. Gary went on to graduate from Hope College, where he also enjoyed being part of the tennis team. He served in the United States Army, where he received a Purple Heart for injuries incurred during the Vietnam War. Gary loved music, both listening to it and making it. He was a talented singer, songwriter, guitar player, and performer. The music he made and performed as part of The Sheffields still brings much joy to his entire family. Gary worked in sales for most of his career, but he always found the most happiness in the great outdoors while fishing on a trout stream, playing tennis, throwing a football, walking the woods, and in more recent years, playing outside with his grandchildren. He was an avid sports fan, always cheering on his beloved Cubs, Lions, and Spartans. Gary enjoyed playing golf and tennis throughout his adult life, and he continued playing tennis at MVP in Holland until just last year. Gary was a lifelong and faithful member of Holland First United Methodist Church.