Mr. Teske came to Hartford High School during my Junior.  Although I didn't have him as a teacher, he made an incredible impression on everyone!  All the female students swooned over him. . . .how was a teenage girl suppose to concentrate on all that "government-econ" stuff with a teacher as handsome and cool as that?  A difficult task indeed!

Through the years, I've heard Mr. Teske's name mentioned time and time again as a favorite teacher, coach, and mentor. He earned respect of the students as he taught them how to become involved citizens with real life knowledge and skills in an ever-changing world.  My sons, Jason, graduated in 1990 and Ken, in 1993 - both were students in Mr. Teske's class.  Jason came home eager to learn about "investing" in stocks, voting in elections...imagine that! He learned more about these things than we knew as parents.  My son, Ken, had many difficulties in school, yet, Mr. Teske took extra measures to ensure Ken would graduate AND he really did learn about the political world we live in.

Emma Thornburg Sefcik - HHS 1966

Name: Leda Banic
Maiden Name:  Frantz
Association to Robert Teske: student, teacher, coach, co-worker and friend
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class of:   1973, 1972 
Date:   Thursday August 30, 2007
Time:   05:46 PM  

Mike and I have many good memories of Bob, beginning in junior high school years and up to the present.  He was our teacher, coach, co-worker and friend and will be remembered by us as one classy guy who we highly respect and hold in high esteem.  We have lost a very special person.

It was hard to see him finally retire this past June (after he initially spoke of his intentions back in 1995 - after our oldest graduated, we begged him to stay until our middle child, a junior then, was graduated!  Then we begged him to stay until our youngest was through.  He taught all 3 of our children as well as ourselves and I know that many Hartford graduates can say exactly the same thing!)  Such a great teacher!

Leda has had the extra pleasure of working with Bob for the last 23 years in the high school and knew that this fall was going to be very different without his smiling face coming in the office.  Simple words cannot begin to express the sadness that is felt now with the knowledge that he is gone.

Mike also has fond memories of Bob as a coach.  He used to blow the air horn during football practices and the guys dreaded hearing it because it meant doing sprints and there  he would be with that grin on his face!   He was such a role model, pushing and encouraging us  on to achieve.   
 
Bob's legacy was that he touched and impacted  so very many lives!!    In talking with others and
dealing with the  news of his passing, we heard everyone speak of how much they liked him and will always remember him.    That was what was so special about him,  he treated everyone equally and  made all he came into contact with feel like they were a close friend and  that he genuinely cared about them.   He gave respect and in return he earned it. 

The halls of H.H.S., the sport's arenas and cross country trails will be very different without him, but our high school and students are greater because of him.   He will always have a special place in our hearts.

Leda Frantz Banic HHS 1973
Mike Banic HHS 1972   

Name:  Erin Jacobs
Maiden Name:    Bachman
Association to Robert Teske:   student
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class of:   1999
Date:   Friday August 31, 2007
Time:   09:13 AM 
 
You will be missed! Fond memories being a student of yours, You were everyone's favorite! prayers,

Erin Jacobs  

Name:  Sky Kellogg
Maiden Name:    
Association to Robert Teske:  parent of students  
Hartford student or grad:     
Class of:    
Date:   Saturday September 01, 2007
Time:   02:08 PM

In all my years in Hartford, I have seen many outstanding educators in our school system. Bob was certainly one of these, but more than that, he had a very positive influence on the students by the example he set with his fair and strong values. He was, what my generation would call, a gentleman. My definition of Role Model and Mentor to young people would be the man named Bob Teske. He left this world better than he found it.

Sky Kellogg   

Name:  Rick and Ernestine (Green) Bachman
Maiden Name:    
Association to Robert Teske:   Student at Hartford, Coach, Parents of Students
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class of:   1966
Date:   Saturday September 01, 2007
Time:   10:45 PM

We were Jrs. the first year Mr. T. began teaching at HHS. He was Coach G's assistant during Rick's Sr. year of football (1965).  Years passed and he became our kid's (Amy, Aaron, Anne and Andy Bachman) teacher and the girls softball coach. He had a wonderful way with his students and athletes, you just knew that he actually cared about their progress it was not just a job. They all respected him and he deserved it. His smile at their successes and his blank stare at a missed play were worth a million words.  Donating to the blood bank, registering to vote and attending School board  meetings were all part of how he taught them to become involved citizens. We have a great deal of respect for his way of inspiring not only students but others around him. I have never heard a negative thing said about him (well, maybe an occasional grumble when a surprise quiz was given!). He was a man that you could say you were proud to know! HHS will always be a better place because he taught here. Thank you Bob Teske, we appreciate you!    

Rick Bachman HHS 1966
Ernestine Green Bachman HHS 1966

Name:   Linda Fillmore
Maiden Name:   Birtman
Association to Robert Teske:   Student, Cadet, Softball.
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class of:   1981
Date:   Sunday September 02, 2007
Time:   07:58 PM

Robert Teske was a very unique individual and I feel honored to have crossed his path. He turned me into an all conference softball player and led our team into becoming the 1981 conference champions. He had the ability to make his students feel as if they were special and encouraged them to strive to higher levels. He will be greatly missed and always very dear to me. My best to his family.   

Name:  Kristin Chaddock
Maiden Name:   Banic
Association to Robert Teske:   Teacher
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class of:   1994
Date:   Tuesday September 04, 2007
Time:   08:31 AM
    
Mr. Teske made a huge impact on my learning at HHS. He was such a charismatic person, full of energy and life. He had a way of capturing your attention  learning was actually fun. Always positive and upbeat, he always  ought a smile to my face. Though no longer walking through the halls of HHS, I will always remember his spot across from his classroom, where he stood and greeted students with an open smile, and sometimes a mischievous one, as if he knew something you didn't. He wasn't
only a great teacher but a true mentor in every sense of the word. I'll miss you, Mr. Teske.

Kristin Banic Chaddock HHS - 1994

Name:   Jeff and Peggy Bowen
Maiden Name:    
Association to Robert Teske:   Parent of students
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class of:    
Date:   Tuesday September 04, 2007
Time:   12:41 PM

Bob was a teacher, coach and mentor to all three of our children, Pam, Jan, and Amy. We always appreciated his concern for the children and his great attitude. Bob was a positive influence and role model in the lives of our children and became a friend to us--someone we would seek out for advice.
Bob was a special gifted teacher and a wonderful person. He will be greatly missed and will "stand tall" in our memories.  

Name:   Mona Snider 
Maiden Name:    
Association to Robert Teske:   student
Hartford student:   YES
Class of:   1980
Date:   Monday September 10, 2007
Time:   08:58 PM

Mr. Teske was a man that loved sports!   He was admired by all and will leave many great memories for all those that knew him. It's a shame he had to leave this world so young. My prayers are with his family. He will be greatly missed.  

Name:  Dennis Thomas 
Maiden Name:    
Association to Robert Teske:   Student
Hartford student or grad:     YES
Class of:   2001 
Date:   Wednesday September 12, 2007
Time:   02:11 PM

To Mrs. Teske, I am so sorry for your loss. He was a great man. He made learning fun and that's what I liked about him so much. I had Mrs. Teske for English my Sophomore year. I had Mr. Teske for History my Junior year and then for Street Law my Senior year. Both Great people and two of my favorite teachers. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 

Name:   Pam Williamson
Maiden Name:   Sanders
Association to Robert Teske:   Student
Hartford student or grad:     YES
Class of:   1968
Date:   Friday September 14, 2007
Time:   05:08 PM

Mr. Bob Teske will always be remembered as one of our favorite teachers. He will greatly be missed by all at HHS. To his family, please accept our sincere condolences.

Bob & Pam Williamson - HHS 1968

Name:  Alice Nelson
Maiden Name:   Wismer
Association to Robert Teske:    
Hartford Student or grad:   Yes
Class of:   1970
Date:   Saturday September 15, 2007
Time:   10:19 AM

It is a long way back to remember the class of 1970, but the picture of the "cool" teacher is one I have in my yearbook from 1969, and another in 1970. I remember him as a very "laid back" sort of guy. I suppose if I ever had him as a coach, I would think otherwise. My niece, Patti Obermesik said she had him for softball, and it was she that let me know of his death. I live in Niles now, and know a few more from my class, so I informed them of his passing. We never know the impact a teacher has in this life. We must wait for the life after this one to receive our crowns. I hope he got a few pats on the back while he was here, for the Lord took him too soon. In our world today, 65 is not old, by any means. I mourn for the family and friends left behind, for his course has been run, and he has won the race of a lifetime. Rest in peace from all your labors Mr. Teske.

Name:  Wendy Hotchkiss
Maiden Name:    
Association to Robert Teske:   Student
Hartford Student or grad:  Yes 
Class of:  1989
Date:   Saturday September 15, 2007
Time:   09:05 PM  

Mr. Teske was my favorite teacher. As I entered high school, I couldn't wait until my senior year to finally have a class with Mr. Teske.   All of my elder classmates always talked about Mr. Teske and how good of a teacher he was.  I remember a project my class had to do.   We had to be a news anchor and it was being filmed. So when it was my turn, I got up and sat at his desk. When I started my speech and looked into the camera, all I could do was laugh. I was laughing so hard I was crying. I then looked at everyone else and Mr. Teske and the whole class was falling out of their chairs laughing. I had to remove myself from the class room!!   He had always made learning fun and was down to our level. He was an awesome coach as well. I have since moved from Hartford and all these years, I have always wondered how he was doing. He had a huge impact on all of his students. We all knew that we could look up to him for any type of help. He was an awesome role model to many of us. It's the smallest things that people do and say that impact us as we get older. He will greatly be missed.....

Name:   Gina VanderKley
Maiden Name:   Atteberry
Association:   student
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class Of:   1991
Date:   Thursday September 20, 2007
Time:   03:06 PM

Mr Teske will be truly missed. He was one of my favorite teachers and I learned alot from him and he always made his classes fun. I appreciated the things he taught me. He'll never be forgotten. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mrs Teske and his family.   

Name:   Edgar Ueno
Maiden Name:    
Association:   Student
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class Of:   2005
Date:   Friday September 21, 2007
Time:   12:21 AM 

Why ? Mr. T, I am not believing what I am reading. You are a such wonderful Professor, you are going to be missed by all the students that you have "taught". Someone that teaches me, is going to have always my respect.

Edgar Ueno.  

Name:   Cathy Randall
Maiden Name:   Vanlandingham
Association:   Student at Hartford
Hartford student or grad:     YES
Class Of:   2001
Date:   Friday September 21, 2007
Time:   01:08 PM 

Mr. Teske was a wonderful teacher, coach, and friend. I was shocked when I heard the news of his passing. Some of my best memories were of him as my cross country coach. He would never let me quit or give up on myself no matter how bad I wanted to. I remember one time in particular when I
decided I wanted to give up on Cross Country. When I didn't come to the first day of practice Mr. Teske came to my house. He told me that he knew how much I loved running and he thought I should get out there. He stressed how much he believed in me and he knew I would do a wonderful
job. I will never forget him pushing me to do my very best not only in sports, but also in academics. He was an amazing person! My thoughts and prayers and with Mrs. Teske and his entire family.

Name:  Charlene  Bidges
Maiden Name:   Martin
Association:   Former Student 
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class Of:   1968 
Date:   Friday September 21, 2007
Time:   03:49 PM

As with all who knew Bob Teske, I wish to express my condolences and prayers to the family for their loss. At our own passing, to say we could be remembered as he was, would be an amazing accomplishment. His impact has TRULY spanned generations. God bless those he left behind.  

Name:   Teri Coulson 
Maiden Name:   Cartwright 
Association:   He was my Teacher, Coach &  Friend! 
Hartford student or grad:   YES 
Class Of:   1990 
Date:   Friday September 21, 2007
Time:   03:59 PM

Mr. Teske was a WONDERFUL man who I will miss tremendously!   I had Mr. Teske as a Teacher my Junior &amp  Senior years in high school and looked forward to every minute in his classroom. My senior year, I was Mr. Teske’s teacher’s aid and was always anxious to get there and see what
crazy task he would put me up to each day  he was always coming up with something to challenge me!   Mr. T was also my Cross Country Coach for all 4 years of high school, my volleyball coach for 2 years and my softball coach for all 4 years. Mr. T made me LOVE sports so much, especially softball, and I am still involved with sports 17 years later.

Mr. Teske nicknamed me “Hoss” in high school because my last name was Cartwright and the whole Bonanza show.  At first I was embarrassed of the nickname as a freshman but then grew to love it as he continued to call me “Hoss” all through high school. When Mr. T found out I had 2 younger sisters, he told me he was going to call my sister Kerry “Little Hoss” and my sister Jodie “Little Joe” and we all loved his nicknames! But most important of all, Mr. Teske helped teach me how to be an adult as I’m sure he did every student that he came in contact with. He guided me along, with gentle prodding, in the right direction to make sure I stayed on the right path and for that I will be forever grateful to this wonderful man!

Now that I’m a parent myself, I have even greater respect for Mr. T for all that he did for me when I was a “know it all” teenager. The world will not be the same without our BELOVED Mr. T.   

Name:   Douglas Richardson
Maiden Name:    
Association:    
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class Of:   1970
Date:   Tuesday February 05, 2008
Time:   06:13 PM

Name:   Dann Baugh Meyer
Maiden Name:    
Association:   Student
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class Of:   1979
Date:   Wednesday February 20, 2008
Time:   10:16 PM  
  
I came upon the news of Mr. Teskes' passing almost by accident (a lot like I came up with answers in class !) What I remember most about Mr. Teske was his sly sense of humor and his ability to teach me something without me realizing I was learning. He always forced me to do my best and I enjoyed being in a couple of classes during High School. He allowed me to get away with some comments and jokes during class and still kept me in line. He will be missed by many Hartford students. 

Name:   Debbie Winder
Maiden Name:    
Association:   Teacher and Coach
Hartford student or grad:   YES
Class Of:   1979
Date:   Friday March 28, 2008
Time:   12:33 AM  

Mr. Teske was the very best teacher I had in all my years at Hartford. He inspired me and pushed me to be the best I could be in track. I am so sad to hear of his passing but I will always
remember him. Rewind!!!  
 

     One teacher that had an impact on me, and who helped to shape me into the person I am today, is the man who is the reason that I became a teacher.  His name was Bob Teske.  He was an amazing guy, and an even better educator, coach, and friend.  He was a jack of all trades; he coached basketball, track, football, cross country, and probably more that I don't know about throughout his educational career.  He taught Social Studies classes, mainly government, econ, and street law classes.  The man knew the law, and knew it well. 
     He had so many suggestions about what you should do when you get older, like "marry for money and learn to love".  This statement was something that we all knew he was kidding about, but it was still funny because his wife was an English teacher at our high school, and consequently, also the sweetest lady  the world has ever known.  Mr. T, as I and almost everyone else called him, was just a great man.  I had the privilege of doing my very first 10 hours of teaching observations with him.  He gave me his pearls of wisdom.  I think everyone in town honestly thought that he would never retire because he was such a part of the school.  He had taught my father, his three siblings, and my older brother before he got to me.  To this day, I still walk in to the high school and miss him. 
    The school year following my teacher education observations, Mr. Teske retired and that spring he passed away.  He is truly the reason I became a teacher, and I hope to someday be half the teacher and coach that he was.