Richard A. Tepp

Richard “Dick” A. Tepp, 78, Green Bay, passed away at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on September 15, 1936, in Stevens Point, Wis., he is the son of the late August and Martha Tepp. In 1959, the University of Wisconsin – Stout “football captain” married the “homecoming queen,” Geraldine Krueger, and they celebrated together for the next 55 years.

Dick’s passionate personality and tremendous zeal for life had a positive ripple effect on so many lives. He exuded a contagious optimism and creative ingenuity that inspired those he taught, mentored and coached. His love for teaching coupled with his visionary leadership was truly inspirational to so many. He was a gentle giant with a compassionate heart, humble disposition, and industrious mind. Dick was a big thinker who still enjoyed the simplest of pleasures. He possessed a playful humor and captivated those around him through his storytelling. Dick had a deep, genuine, authentic Christian faith; he treasured his Bible study groups.

His picture still hangs on the wall at UW – Stout, where he graduated with a BS, MS in Education, earned entrance into the Stout Hall of Fame, and won the Sports Medallion for his legacy in football. Following graduation he taught Industrial Arts in Manawa for four years, and went on to dedicate 35 years at Seymour Community High School; first as a Teacher, then as a School Administrator and Curriculum Director.

Dick valued his faith and family foremost, along with being a lifelong learner and altruistic giver involved in his community. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, skiing, woodworking, gardening and especially traveling.

Richard is survived by his wife, Geraldine; four children, Dana (Steven) Malchow, and their three sons, Owen, Carson, and Fletcher; Brian and his partner Jonah Bradley; Todd and his four children, Hannah, Briar, Jacob, and Olivia; Dirk and his three children, Gabrielle, Karissa, and Austin. He is further survived by two brothers, Thomas (Mary) Tepp, and Eugene (Jean) Tepp; one sister, Jeraine (Jim) Schreder; two brothers-in-law, Chuck (Helen) Krueger, and James (Judy) Krueger; two sisters-in-law, Lucille and Ann Tepp; and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jody (Tepp) McKinnon; parents, and five siblings, Raymond, Bobby, Leonard, Donald, and Yvonne; in-laws, Charles and Audrey Krueger; and one brother-in-law, Daniel.

A celebration of Dick’s life will be held at Green Bay Community Church, 600 Cardinal Lane, Sunday, February 15th, with a viewing from 2:00-4:00 pm, with services to follow by Pastor Kim Sechler. Malcore (West) Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements, 499-4100.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, memorials can be sent to his favorite charity, Freedom House, 2997 St. Anthony Drive, Green Bay, 54311.

The family would like to extend a special thank you for all the wonderful cards, community support, prayers and love extended to Dick and Gerry, and all the medical staffing professionals who provided such very caring services.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you and whispered “Come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you and saw you pass away, and though we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard-working hands at rest, God broke our hearts but showed us how He peacefully takes the best.