John Teply Jr

Nov. 18, 1914 - June 6, 2007

IMPERIAL -- John Teply, Jr. of Champion, died Wednesday (June 6, 2007) at Chase County Community Hospital.  He was 92 years old.

John was born on Nov. 18, 1914, on the family farm north of Wauneta to John and Martha (Neverve) Teply.  He attended the rural Elmer School north of Wauneta.

On Dec. 7, 1940, he married Opal Lucille Lovitt in North Platte.  They made their home on a farm north of Wauneta.  To this union four children were born, Roger, Marvin, Coleen and Rick.  In 1953, they moved their family to the Champion community where they continued to farm and raise registered cattle.  John and Opal provided a second home to many young people throughout the years.

John was a member of the Imperial United Methodist Church and past member of Future Farmers of America earning the Honorary Chapter Farmer in 1962.  He served as a 4-H Leader for many years earning the Gold Clover Award.  He was also a Boy Scout Leader taking the troops to Camp Opal Springs.

In his younger years John played baseball for the Hi-Line Team.  He was recruited in 1939 at the age of 25 to be a pitcher for Philadelphia.  He chose to remain on the farm with his family. John loved fishing, arrowhead hunting, and playing cards with his many good friends.   

Preceding him in death were his parents, John and Martha Teply; one sister, Josie Keller; and four brothers, Henry, Charles, Raymond and Eddie Teply.

Survivors include his loving wife of over 66 years, Opal Teply of Champion; daughter, Coleen and husband, Bill Mumford, of Imperial; three sons, Roger Teply and wife, Judy of Champion, Marvin Teply and wife, Terrie of Imperial and Rick Teply of Champion; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name.

Visitation is today until 6 p.m. (MT) at Liewer Funeral Home in Imperial.

Graveside services will be Saturday, 10 a.m., (MT) at Mount Hope Cemetery in Imperial with Rev. Francis Baker officiating.  Burial will be in Mount Hope Cemetery.

 Liewer Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.