Maynard Teppo

Maynard A. Teppo, age 89 of Belle Fourche, died Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at the Fort Meade VA Medical Center in Sturgis, with his loving wife by his side.

The funeral service will be held 10:30 am Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at St. James Lutheran Church in Belle Fourche. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 pm Tuesday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche. Interment will take place at Black Hills National Cemetery, with Military Honor provided by the Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard. Maynard’s funeral will be available to view online from his obituary page, located on the funeral home’s website: www.LeveringtonFH.com

Maynard Arvo Teppo was born May 16, 1936 in Newell, SD. He was the son of Arvo and Mary (Lohonen) Teppo. Maynard grew up on a family farm near Newell and for several years he worked at a ranch near Newell where he herded sheep. He served in the U.S. Army from 1956 to 1959. During much of this time he was stationed in Alaska. In 1961, Maynard was united in marriage to Shirley Stoppel. To this union was born three sons: Kevin, Bryan, and Blayne. Following their marriage, they lived in Fruitdale. Shirley died in 2007. On November 27, 2010, Maynard was united in marriage to Anna Marie Bednar. Together they were blessed with almost 15 years of marriage.

After working 42 years for American Colloid as their Vice President of Engineering, Maynard retired. Maynard was highly intelligent and innovative, and skilled as an engineer. He traveled the world, helping other countries like Japan, China, Thailand, Egypt, Germany, and more build processing plants. Throughout those years, he had 4 patents created. Maynard was a member of the Naja Shrine for 25 years. He was generous to others, would help anybody who needed it, and was a true gentleman. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling, tinkering in his shop, working in his lawn and flower garden, Nascar, and PBR bull riding. He also enjoyed wintering in Yuma, Arizona for 23 years. Maynard and Anna enjoyed doing many things together. He was a wonderful husband and he was very proud of his grandchildren.

Maynard is survived by his wife, Anna of Belle Fourche; 2 sons, Kevin (Sherry) Teppo of Wellington CO, Bryan (Lucy) Teppo of Antigo WI; 3 step-sons, Dwaine (Colleen) Bednar of Willow River MN, Douglas (Brenda) Bednar of Willow River MN, David Bednar of Willow River MN; 2 step-daughters, Patricia (Lee) Eden of Farmington MN, Lisa Marie (Greg) Larson of Sturgeon Lake MN; 8 grandchildren; 12 step-grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; 12 step-great grandchildren; sister, Mavis Anderson of Lake Stevens WA; daughter-in-law, Nikki Teppo of Fruitdale; and sister-in-law, Renee Teppo of Crystal River FL.

He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Shirley; son, Blayne; 3 brothers, Delmer, Wesley, Richard; and sister, Shirley Mosely.

Funeral Service

10:30 A.M. – Wednesday – June 25, 2025

St. James Lutheran Church

Belle Fourche, South Dakota

Officiant

Vicar Ronda Mehrer

Synod Authorized Minister

Music

“The Old Rugged Cross”, “Amazing Grace”

Debra Leverington, soloist

Cong. Hymn – “How Great Thou Art”

Judy Howard, pianist

Honorary Casketbearers

Naja Shrine Clown Patrol

Active Casketbearers

All of Maynard's Grandchildren and Step Grandchildren

Interment

Black Hills National Cemetery

Sturgis, South Dakota

Military Honors

Belle Fourche Veterans Honor Guard