John P. Teeples, 69, of Loveland, CO passed away at this home on April 01, 2015. He was born in Shawnee, OK on October 14, 1945 to Charles T. and Mildred (Pruitt) Teeples. Even as a child, John had a deep love of America. After completing high school John proudly joined and served in the U.S. Navy. In 1971 he moved to Loveland and joined the Loveland Police Department. During that time, he served and provided 20 years of distinguished service to the City of Loveland as Patrol Sgt., Detective Bureau Sgt., Crime Prevention Sgt., Hostage Negotiator, Police Chaplin Liaison and Loveland's first Hazardous Device Technician. While serving the L.P.D., John displayed a high degree of leadership, dedication, bravery and law enforcement expertise. He received many honors, including being Loveland's first and only Police Department's "Medal of Honor" recipient. It was John's pride and passion to serve and protect his community. After retiring from the Police Department John started and operated "Grandpa's Pawn and Gun" in Longmont, CO. He was very knowledgeable regarding guns, military items, military history and his expertise was respected by many. John loved to collect military items and above all, he loved to read. He was a long time member of the Elks Lodge, American Legion, NRA and the Colorado Gun Collectors Association. Left to honor John, are his caring and devoted wife, Sharon (Ballinger) Teeples, daughter, DaNae (Garner) Fortin, son, Scott Teeples of California, cherished granddaughter, Kristin Lesesne of South Carolina and his loving sister, Dorothy (Ted) Lueking of California. Also surviving are nephews and nieces, Marty Lueking of California, Scott Ballinger, Doug Depperschmidt, Amy Bonner, Darla Martinez, Carrie Ballinger and their families (all of Loveland), best friend Rel Hoida, his P.D. brothers in blue and his beloved Police Chaplains. (John was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and his daughter, Traci.) John was known for his hearty laugh, big beautiful smile, his patriotism and love of America. He had a heart of gold and he will be greatly missed. A memorial service to honor John will be held at the First Christian Church in Loveland, 2000 North Lincoln Ave, on Friday, May 01 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made through the Viegut Funeral Home in John's name. Go to www.viegutfuneralhome.com for condlences.

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Published by Loveland Reporter-Herald on Apr. 26, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for John Teeples

Sponsored by Viegut Funeral Home.

17 Entries

Kari K

August 16, 2025

I was a volunteer to Sgt Teeples in Crime Prevention for several years in early 1980´s. I met him originally as a DECA project and it blossomed into much more. I loved him as a mentor and friend. He and Sharon were kind to me and Sgt Teeples and I did many community events together. He later nominated me for an award from L.P.D. and Chief Sieb honored me for my hundreds of hours of work with them though the honor was mine. He used to tell me the countdown to his retirement for over a year and almost get giddy- it was funny. I thoroughly enjoyed knowing him and being his `sidekick´. He was such a wonderful friend during rough times. He and I lost contact when I got married and moved away in 1987. I thought of him often.

Al Sharon, Police Commander, retired

October 1, 2023

John and I worked together for many years at the Loveland Police Department. He was a great guy and will be missed.

Julie M Teed

February 7, 2021

To Sharon and all the family, my sincerest and most heartfelt condolences at the loss of John. He was a real mentor and support to me back in the 80s; he encouraged me to finish school and helped me get hired at the bank in Loveland. I also apologize for how late my message is. I have never forgotten his kindness or how he believed in me. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

May 6, 2015

Dear Sharon, So very sorry to hear about John's passing. The memories of you and John will always be treasured by us, as they are warm and wonderful. You are close in thought and prayer. Please call us when you can (941)744-7555.
Love you, Bill and Dottie Wendt Macon, Georgia

Barbi (Graves) Schroeer

May 2, 2015

Sharon,
It was an honor to attend the heartfelt memorial service for John. You, John and your family always exemplified the most compassionate and loving people I have ever been blessed to know. I have so many memories of a wonderful friendship. John will be missed by so many and his life lessons will be cherished by all. My love and prayers are with you.

David Salazar

April 30, 2015

Sharon I am so sorry for your loss. John will always be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his job and family. You are in my prayers.

April 29, 2015

I remember Officer Teeples when I was 16. He was a fair and good cop. He would keep us kids in line and you respected him for it He was DEFINATELY one of Lovelands FINEST!!!

Katrina Whitson Evans

April 28, 2015

Prayers for all of you.. My God heal your broken heart. Katrina Evans (Whitson).

Don Riedel

April 27, 2015

Sharon, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of John. I have so many loving memories of you and him and your life together while we worked at Empire Savings. My thoughts are with you in your time of sorrow.

peggy Newton/Bowman

April 26, 2015

Sharon. was saddened to hear of your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you.

Judy White Benenate

April 26, 2015

What a great man of dedication and strong faith in God! I'm sure his family will miss him, but we as recepiants of his kindness in the community will miss him also! I remember him most for his smile!! May your soul shine bright in heaven John!!

Gayla Herbel

April 26, 2015

It was an honor and a blessing to know and work with John. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about his passing. We share comfort in knowing John is no longer suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Daryle Klassen

April 26, 2015

There is one MEDAL OF HONOR awarded in the history of the Loveland Police Department. The recipient was/is John Teeples, who 43 years ago performed one of the most heroic deeds imaginable. Medal of Honor owner is John Teeples, so lovingly supported by his wife, Sharon. God's Speed to you, Valiant Man. Daryle Klassen, Loveland, Colorado

April 26, 2015

Dear Sharon and Family, We are so very sad to hear of your loss of John. He was a great brother in the Police Department and servant to the community in so many ways. He will be missed. Please know you and family are in our thoughts and prayer.
Blessing to you Sharon and family. Larry and Ellen Jackson

April 26, 2015

Sharon,
It was a great honor to have known John and to count him as a friend. I think of him often and will always keep him in my prayers. Thank you, John!
Hank

Michael D. Kreenning

April 26, 2015

Our thoughts an prayers go out to the Teeples family. Was a great police officer for Loveland! Yes I have to sit here an say I was arrested by him he was just doing his job RIP Boise,Idaho Michael D.Krenning

April 26, 2015

Dear Sharon and family, I'm so sorry to hear of John's passing. May you have comfort and peace from Our Father, your friends, and family to see you through this difficult time and have your beautiful smile return to you. Carol Walker Goettsche

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