Obituary of Douglas F. Teale

On December 5, 2023, Douglas Teale passed away from complications after a fall at the age of 89 in Marlette, Michigan.  He was born in Caro, Michigan on February 3, 1934.  After graduation from Marlette High School in 1952, he attended Michigan Technological University. He then volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving in Germany as a Combat Engineer. After 2 years of service, he returned to Michigan Tech for another year, and married Iva May Minard in 1959.

His grandmother Laube started the restaurant later known as Teale's Café, which he took over from his parents, George and Edith (Laube) Teale in 1968. During the years, the "Big Table" was famous, with many stories told. He and his wife closed the cafe in 1995 and became actively retired.

He enjoyed travel, including many trips to Isle Royale and the UP, with stops at many casinos; many trips to Las Vegas, and countless concerts... He was an avid pilot, owning several aircraft over the years.

He was a lifetime member of Marlette Masonic Lodge, the Elf Khurafeh Shriners, and the Scottish Rite. He spent many years as Marlette Township Trustee and Treasurer, and various other boards. He was an early member of the Marlette Volunteer Ambulance Service.   He recently left the Marlette Library Board, after serving over 50 years.

He is survived by wife, Iva May; son, CAPT Mark Teale, USN (ret) (Susan Morningstar); sister, Elaine Reil; and numerous in-laws, nieces, and nephews.

Per his wishes, no visitation or service will be held. A private family service is planned in the spring, with his ashes spread where he has hunted since 1950 at Bush's Pond in the UP.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Marlette Library. To sign online guestbook, visit www.cremationsocietymidmi.com  Arrangements made with the Cremation Society of Mid Michigan.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas Teale, please visit Tribute Store