John Robert Teetaert

A man who exemplified fatherhood, Jack passed away on Father’s Day, June 15, 2025 with his family present during his last moments. Jack was born in Grosse Pointe, MI on October 17, 1945 to Andrew and Florence Teetaert. His was a happy life filled with love and an abiding commitment to family, friends and work.

A man is often known for his accomplishments and Jack had many. Jack turned down an appointment to Annapolis to take advantage of a swimming scholarship to the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He held several records as a backstroker and trained in Arbor Hills, CA, an Olympic training facility. He became the 1967 Class President and had the honor of introducing the graduation speaker, U Thant, Secretary General of the United Nations in 1965, to his classmates. He served on the board of the Cardinal, the UW student newspaper, and was a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. After graduating in 1971 from the University of Wisconsin Law School, he started his law career in Appleton, WI at what is now known as the Menn Law Firm. In the 44 years he practiced law, he committed himself to doing the best for his clients, respecting them and often continuing connections long after the case was resolved. Respect for his fellow lawyers and the legal community was a constant in his professional life. His commitment to community manifested itself in serving for many years on the ABC (A Better Chance), YMCA and Riverside Cemetery boards. He served as President of the Outagamie Bar Association and was elected to the American Board of Trial Attorneys.

But what made Jack happiest and most proud were his family and friends. Jack and Linda were married for 57 years having met in college during Homecoming Week, 1965. Theirs was a wonderfully close union, sharing interests and lots of projects over the years. Whether they were exploring the Louvre in Paris or the produce aisle at Woodman’s, they were content just being together. The love they shared weathered the most difficult of storms, the death of Benjamin, their cherished infant son. As the family grew, Jack became the quintessential dad to his three children: Jessica, Lindsey and Christopher. He never missed an event in which they were involved. The family shared a passion for Door County, spending summer days there for 50 years. When Ryan, Lindsey’s husband, and Tracy, Christopher’s wife, joined the family, the Ellison Bay log cabin became the “home of the heart”. Grandchildren followed and Jack’s legacy extended to them, whom he adored, each of them touching his heart in their truly unique ways.

His friends meant so much to him. Early days of racquetball with Bruce, coffee with his two best buddies, Todd and Rick, biking with Bob, sailing with Don, being inspired by Kevin, Pat and Skip, his long-time cohorts in life and law and weekends at Camp Laing with his brother Tom. Along with college friends, Gil and Monk, his friendships gave him great pleasure and sustenance.

Jack is survived by his wife Linda, daughters Jessica, Lindsey (Ryan) and their boys, Jack and Benjamin and son Christopher (Tracy) and children, Oliver and Maya. A brother Tom Teetaert (Cheryl), sisters-in-law Ann Gordon and Jane Long (Larry), brother-in-law Fran McGuire and his 9 cherished nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Florence Teetaert and his in-laws, A.W. and Mary Jane Gordon, his sister-in-law, Kay McGuire and his son, Benjamin.

As per Jack’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Jack’s children suggested that if you know a good story or memory, share it at the dinner table with friends and family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Feeding America at Donate Today to End Hunger in America | Feeding America https://give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate

Jack, you have been by my side for over 57 years, loyal, loving and so much fun. Thank you for a wonderful life, my sweet man. I’ve loved it all.

Dad, it’s hard to imagine a world without you in it. You were such an incredible father. A father who somehow knew the perfect balance between being supportive and letting us stand on our own two feet. You taught us so many things – basic things like fractions and parallel parking, but also life lessons like working hard for what you want and being thankful for the things you have. We will miss so many things about you – the long boat rides in Door County, the ice cream cones in Florida, walks to the park with the grandkids, finding the best deal at the store, singing you the “Mom and Dad” song, and of course the famous fortune cookie line. We didn’t have enough time with you, but we will always treasure the memories of the time we did have. We love you, Dad. Thanks for being the best in the game.