Thecla "Teckie" Krouth

Thecla “Teckie” Krouth, 89, was surrounded by loving family as she found eternal peace on Thursday, April 2, 2015. If the measure of a life is the love held by those left behind, then the deep affection and reverence held by Teckie’s family and friends testify to her life’s prosperity.

Teckie was born February 26, 1926 to J. Dudley and Mary (Stinn) Safford. She had 7 siblings who grew to be her lifelong friends, save for a beloved brother - “Little Larry” - who died in childhood. The Safford siblings shared the joy of song, love of words (actual and those fabricated by their father), and many travels together in their retirement.

After graduating from East High School, Teckie made John “Jack” Krouth the luckiest man in the world when she married him. Though not the boy next door, he was the boy across the street who first noticed Teckie’s perfect poise and quiet dignity as she walked to school. Together they raised precisely the number of children she’d always wanted: six. Her children attribute their success to the strength, perfectionism, and abiding faith modeled by their mother.

Teckie excelled in her work as a medical transcriptionist. She earned the respect of many doctors for her exceptional ability to understand advanced medical terminology. She often pointed out discrepancies in their reports, and they appreciated her eagle-eye review.

In retirement, Teckie remained active and involved. Her reverence for life inspired her to volunteer for Unity Hospice, the Love Life program, and A & A Alexandrina Center. She continued playing bridge with the same group of women for decades as well as lively games of Scrabble with her sister Suzy. She enjoyed community theater, Packer games, and rejoicing in the accomplishments of her loved ones.

Teckie delighted in her friends and family and showed her love in every conversation. She listened deeply, asked probing questions, and expertly cut through the BS. She had the decorum to hold your secrets, and the generosity of spirit to tell others of your virtues and good fortune. We miss her sparkling smile, laughter and fun-loving spirit.

Teckie was preceded in death by her parents and husband; siblings Dudley (Janet) Safford, Mary Lou (Jerry) Mohr, Clark Safford, and Larry Safford; and sister-in-law Jeanne Safford.

She is survived by siblings Suzy (Ken) Vanderloop, Jerry (Jean) Safford, Dan Safford, Connie LaChappelle, sister-in-law Pat Safford, brother-in-law Ken Krouth, and many dear nieces and nephews. Her adoring children are Lynn (Bert) Gagnon, Thomas (Linda) Krouth, Michael Krouth, Terrance (Christine) Krouth, Kevin (Debra) Krouth, and Tina Krouth.

Blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she knew nearly everything about every one of them, including David (Michele) Gagnon; Kecia Chronowski and children Caleb, Courtney, and Cole; Jonathan (Kelly) Krouth and children Alexandria and Morgan; Dawn (Pat) Gorski and children Cullen and Aubrie; Kim Krouth and Ben Feifarek and son Mandell; Heidi (Troy) Handrich and children Bennett, Owen, and Madelin; Missy Krouth and Pat Chelmo and children Sullivan, Liam, and Connall; Patrick (Yesenia) Krouth and children Maddox and Ivy; Jason (Misty) Krouth; Andrea (Ben) Horner and son Dominick; Kelley (Katy) Krouth and son Jack (and one on the way!); Ben Krouth; Lauren Krouth; and Katie (Brian) Atkinson.

Teckie’s family would like to thank Dr. Jason Hoppe, the staff at St. Vincent Hospital, and the staff at the Jack and Engrid Meng Residence for their kind efforts to help Teckie transition to her eternal reward with dignity and grace.

Please join us in celebrating Teckie’s life. Visitation will be at Malcore (East) Funeral Home, 701 N. Baird St., Monday from 4 - 8 p.m. Parish wake service 7:00 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Visitation will continue Tuesday at St. John the Evangelist Church, 413 St. John St., from 9:45 a.m. until the time of the funeral. Mass of Christian Burial follows at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the church. Entombment at Allouez Chapel Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions to honor Teckie can be made to the homeless shelter at St. John the Evangelist Church or the Love Life program at St. Philip the Apostle Church.