John Teiber Obituary

John Joseph Teiber

John Joseph Teiber, a Durango resident for 35 years, died Tuesday, July 2, 2013, at his home after a three-year battle with cancer. He was 70.

Mr. Teiber was born Sept. 5, 1942, in Crivitz, Wis., to George and Sophie Teiber. He grew up on a dairy farm where he was cared for by his German grandmother. He spoke German more fluently than English. He graduated from Crivitz High School in 1960.

In 1964, Mr. Teiber joined the Army. After basic training, he was stationed at Herzo Base in Germany.

After four years in the military, Mr. Teiber went to Colorado to ski and spend time with his sister, Rose, known as Toots, and family members.

With the help of his brother-in-law, he found work in Colorado with Frontier Airlines as a station agent in Denver and Durango. He worked the ticket counter at the old airport in Durango.

He married Therese Mary Fineran on Dec. 20, 1975, in Aurora. The couple, then with two young children, moved to Durango in 1978.

"We were both farm kids and didn't want to raise our kids in the city, so we chose Durango," Mrs. Teiber said, "Frontier was good to us, and we enjoyed being able to travel some."

The couple opened Treasures By Therese on 30th Street in March 1985. Mr. Teiber was the buyer, fixer and delivery man.

After the couple moved to Junction Creek in 1998, friends and family enjoyed the large yard, the creek and Mr. Teiber's barbecues and smoked meats.

Mr. Teiber, a devout Catholic, enjoyed buying and donating items for St. Columba School. He volunteered to help the Knights of Columbus annual yard sale.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Therese Teiber; daughter, Tonya Fisher, of Cañon City; son, Jeremy Teiber, of Erie; foster son, Joshua Bair, of Durango; sisters Dolores Ohlfs of Mountain, Wis., and Rose Marie Washburn of Highlands Ranch; two granddaughters and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation will occur. A funeral service will be held at noon Saturday, July 6, 2013, at St. Columba Catholic Church, 1830 East Second Avenue. The Rev. Jim Koenigsfeld will officiate. Remains will be buried next week at the Ft. Logan Veterans Cemetery in Denver followed by a memorial service.

Condolences may be sent to Therese Teiber and family at 614 Virginia St., Durango, CO 81301.