John David Teutscher's Obituary
JOHN DAVID TEUTSCHER
Papa John, a proud Tacoma native from the Eastside was born July 13th, 1934 and went to heaven peacefully on May 14th, 2017. Papa John is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sandra Teutscher, his son John Teutscher and his 3 children and 5 grandchildren, daughter Joan and son- in- law Alan Hall and there 4 children and 23 grandchildren, son Jerry and daughter- in- law Sue Teutscher and there 2 children and 6 grandchildren, Son Jim Teutscher, daughter Melody and son-in-law Daniel Riewer and 1 child, son Jim Smith and his 2 children and 2 grandchildren, brother Ernest Teutscher and sister Lois Cassidy.
Papa John’s greatest love in life was for his large family, he so cherished family holidays, gatherings and vacations whether it be for the day, weekend or longer. His daughter Joan and her large family always enjoyed seeing Papa John coming over at Christmas wearing his bright red clothes that he so much enjoyed wearing during the holidays. John had several passions in life but his most treasured memories included going to his property at Crescent Bar Resort where he would play golf and swim everyday. Many precious memories were created at Crescent Bar with numerous celebrations with family and friends. He really enjoyed driving in his golf cart all around talking to everyone. If you met John, you too would have been his friend for he loved talking to anyone he met. He cared for people and animals whether it was a one time meeting or a long-term friendship. He also treasured going to Ocean Shores annually with family and friends for Super Bowl weekend. He loved to golf whenever possible and had (Three) Holes in One documented that he was proud of.
John and his wife and his daughter Joan and son-in-law Alan and the Webers all took a trip together to Hawaii and he had a spectacular vacation which he cherished that memory. He also went on three cruises where he enjoyed white sand beaches and sunshine. You could not get him inside the house on a beautiful day until sunset; he would love to find things to dink around with outside or just sit and bath in the sun.
Another passion of Papa Johns was for his love of automobiles. He was a proud owner of several collectible cars to include 1948 and 1956 Ford Convertibles, 1962 and 1963 Cadillac Convertibles, 1969 Lincoln Continental and a Model A reproduction. You would see John with his bright white shoes and white belt with a big cigar hanging out of his mouth hopping into his car and driving away proudly. He was always proud to be a Tacoma native from the eastside, he had many fond memories of himself growing up being apart of the McKinley Avenue Gang where he and the gang would play a lot of basketball and race cars. Then later in life the gang still got together at least one time every three months and this occurred for twenty plus years.
John was a proud volunteer of the National Guard and was honored to serve his country. He had a strong work ethic that he implemented into all his children and grandchildren. One might say that John was the “Master of Delegating” of projects and he always wanted everything clean and organized. He was the boss and enjoyed hiring the union employees. He was part owner of Marilyn’s Restaurant and Lounge and worked there for twenty plus year’s bartending, managing and developing everlasting friendships. He also worked at the VFW, Wylies Café and Dairy Queen. He was the president of the Plankers Club which is inside the Bartenders Union, also had memberships at the VFW and Elks Clubs, again, where he developed everlasting relationships.
John met his wife Sandy and it was love at first sight and became married and lived happily every after. He also loved his animals, he enjoyed walking there Doxies around and talking to everyone in his path. He was proud to be voted the most beautiful yard of the month award in there housing community. John had a very happy and fulfilling life always surrounded by family and friends who loved and cherished him.
Papa John, we are all grieving but we all take comfort in the fact that you are at peace now and golfing on the Eastside of HEAVEN. Papa John, you will be missed tremendously but never forgotten.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, May 22nd at 4:00 p.m. at Christ Community Baptist Church at 8016 176th Street East, Puyallup, WA 98375. Dinner will be served.
Obituary written by his loving daughter Melody
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?