Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1926
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
4800 S Minnesota Avenue
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Ralph Teslow Obituary
Ralph Teslow, 98, passed away peacefully Friday, January 31, 2025 at the Veterans Hospital in Sioux Falls.
On Sunday, November 14, 1926, he and his brother, Arnie, were born to immigrant parents Bjarne H. and Mathilda Teslow in Sioux Falls. The boys include brother Halvor. They attended Mark Twain and Washington Schools, the twins graduating in 1945. Ralph enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps. After attending Augustana, he earned his degree as a Civil Engineer at the South Dakota School of Mines.
Ralph met Sandra January 1, 1956 and they married in July. They started their life together in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Ralph returned to his home town with his young family in 1961 to join in the Teslow business of building homes and neighborhoods, apartments and office buildings. "There's nothing better than a Teslow home."
Over the years he served the community working to bring clean business as an Ambassador of the Chamber of Commerce. The year he served as President of the Home Builders Association, Sandy led the Home Builders Auxiliary. Ralph had memberships with First Lutheran Church, Sons of Norway, Lions Club, Unity Lodge #130 with the Masons. He enjoyed the Clown Unit with Sandy and they traveled for various events. He worked to make Sioux Falls a good place to live.
Ralph loved sports. He played Center with the Washington Warriors and then the School of Mines football teams. He enjoyed exercising at the YMCA, riding his bicycle and skiing, locally as a youth and downhill on the slopes of western South Dakota and in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. He followed local basketball and football teams, along with the Minnesota Vikings and the Twins baseball. He loved to watch his son and grandchildren play their sports. For many years Ralph and Sandy enjoyed bridge club with lifelong friends. Later he played pitch several times a week with the clowns and with the family every time the opportunity presented itself.
What fun we had as a family! Vacations, ski trips, and a cabin on the lake. He was such a good dad to leave us with wonderful memories. He outlived most of his family and friends. Those of us left to miss his gentle manner and dry humor include his daughters, Karen (Richard) England, Pam Teslow, his son, Ron (Lori) Teslow, sisters-in-law Sharon and Sheila, several nieces, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren who all had good times with Ralph. Also, he is survived by cousins all over the place.
Through all the years, Ralph took pictures and we all remember his question EVERY TIME, "Did it flash?"
A Celebration of Life will be held 11 AM, Saturday, May 3, 2025 at First Lutheran Church.
Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Teslow
Lise (Johnson) Siegel
May 22, 2025
As a teenage friend of Pam's, I spent a lot of time at their home and cabin and have many fond memories of Ralph; his gentle manner and quirky humor ;-). He and Sandy were always very welcoming, and their home was a refuge of love, laughter, and creativity. Sorry to have missed both his and Sandy's memorial ceremonies, they will be remembered and missed.
Karen Teslow England
May 4, 2025
Thank you for appreciating our dad, Ralph.
Joan Teslow
May 3, 2025
I am so sorry to miss Ralph‘s memorial service today. My uncle was kind and fun to be around. His calm demeanor, and dry sense of humor just made you feel good in his presence.
My heart goes out to Karen, Pam , Ron, all of Ralph’s grandchildren and everyone who loved him ( there are multitudes)
Karen, Pam and Ron, may fond memories of all the fun joy and laughter your dad brought to your life ease your sorrow.
Love,
Joan
Darren Boomgarden
April 24, 2025
You are so blessed with all the warm wonderful memories that he has made for youkeep them close to your heart.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kimberle (Shupe) Erickson
April 11, 2025
Your dad was so cool and mellow. It was such fun being neighbors up at Lake Campbell. You are so lucky to have your dad with you for so many years. I know you will miss him terribly.
Rich Blechinger
March 8, 2025
So sorry to see this. Rest in God's hands Mr. Teslow. My deepest condolences to Ron and Family.
John Eikanger
February 24, 2025
I got a message this evening that Ralph had passed away. Our condolences to his familiy. My wife and I visited Sioux Falls in 2004, and spent some time with Sandy and Ralph and some of their family. We have good memories from visiting their home and the time we had together.
Tove Brit and John Eikanger, Norway.
RJ
February 19, 2025
Rip Ralph. Know your family loves you.
T. D.
February 17, 2025
Thank you for your military service Ralph.
Dale Miskimins
February 7, 2025
Sparky helped me when I joined the El Riad Clowns. Thank you for your friendship!
Nancy Dederer
February 7, 2025
Love and prayers from Chris and Nancy Clendenin Dederer (Judy’s daughter)
Larry Frankenberger
February 4, 2025
I'm sorry to hear this. My deepest thoughts of respect goes out to Ralph.
If you need anything at all I'm here for you Pam
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Ralph Teslow's name
Memorial Events
for Ralph Teslow
Funeral services provided by:
Heritage Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Sioux Falls4800 S Minnesota Avenue, Sioux Falls, SD 57108