Catherine "Cathy" Teske

Catherine "Cathy" Teske, age 73, of Odessa, MN, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at Ortonville Area Health Services Hospital.

Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. at Mundwiler Funeral Home Chapel in Milbank, SD. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the funeral home on Tuesday. Pastor Sandy Marquardt will officiate, and inurnment will be at Hope Cemetery in Odessa, MN.

Catherine Ann (Johnson) Teske was born on June 27, 1952, in Montevideo, MN, to Verlin and Virginia (Winge) Johnson. She attended school in Montevideo and graduated from Montevideo High School with the Class of 1970. Following high school, Cathy moved to Clara City, MN, where she lived until 1976. That year, she settled in Odessa, MN, which became her home for nearly fifty years.

Beginning her journey of love and commitment, Cathy married Thomas Haas on April 15, 1972, in Clara City. Together, they were blessed with three children: Jason, Eli, and Heidi. Their time together was cut short by Tom’s passing on November 6, 1988. Cathy’s strength and resilience in the face of adversity were evident. Cathy later found love again and married Steve Teske on March 31, 2001, in Ortonville, MN, and added two more children to her family: Cody and Ethan.

Cathy's dedication to her community was unparalleled. She devoted 36 years to serving on the Odessa City Council, 27 of which she faithfully led as mayor. Her commitment to public service extended beyond her elected role; she volunteered for an outstanding 24 and a half years with the Odessa Fire Department, embodying the spirit of service that so many admired. Additionally, she served the youth in her community for 30 years at the Ortonville School.

Beyond her impressive public service career, Cathy enjoyed a rich life filled with diverse interests. She was an avid reader, a lover of puzzles, and found joy in the outdoors, particularly through deer hunting. A spirited competitor, Cathy relished playing darts and sharing friendly banter with friends and family alike. Yet, her greatest joy came from the time spent with her family and friends.

Left to cherish Cathy’s memory are her husband, Steve Teske of Odessa, MN; children: Jason (Amy) Haas of Odessa, MN; Heidi (Micah) Raffety of Ramsey, MN; Cody (Karley) Teske of Ortonville, MN; and Ethan (Halie) Teske of Owatonna, MN; 11 grandchildren: Austin Haas, Ashley (Jacob) Kittelson, Jadin Haas, Reggi Raffety, Lincoln Raffety, Wyatt Teske, Leo Teske, Brady Teske, Henry Teske, Harper Teske, and Warren Teske; brothers: David (Janet) Johnson of Andover, MN; and Tim (Sara) Sabe of Clara City, MN; sister-in-law, Sandy Johnson of Montevideo, MN; along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Haas; son, Eli Haas; father, Verlin Johnson; mother and stepfather, Virginia and Harold Sabe; and brother, Jeffery Johnson.