Obit: Teclaw, Malen L. (1924 – 2017)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Teclaw, Kulangara, Stroinski, La Flex, Paskert, Kaczmarek, Szymanski

----Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 01 Feb 2017

Teclaw, Malen L. (1 MAR 1924 – 5 FEB 2017)

Malen L. Teclaw, age 92, Thorp (Clark Co.), Wis., passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2017 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Chippewa Falls, WI. Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Joshy Mathew Kulangrara officiated, and burial followed in New St. Hedwig's Catholic Cemetery in Thorp. Military rites were conducted by the Thorp VFW and the Thorp American Legion Post #118. Visitation was held at Thorp Fuenral Home on Friday, February 10, 2017, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. rosary service, and again at the church, on Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Malen Lawrence Teclaw was born on Mar. 1, 1924, in Lublin, WI, to Michael and Verna (Stroinski Teclaw. He was raised and received his education in the Thorp area, graduating from Thorp High School in 1942. He entered the U.S. Army, where he served in World War II from 1943 to 1945. He saw service in the Western Pacific with the 38th Infantry Division, also known as, "The Avengers of Bataan," earning the Bronze Star Medal for courageous action in battle. After his honorable discharge, he worked for a few years as a bartender at Leon and Lil's in Thorp. He was united in marriage to Don Etta "Donna" La Flex on sept. 24, 1949, at St. Hedwig's Catholic Church in Thorp. After serving in various capacities at the Thorp Post Office, Butch was promoted to Postmaster in 1961, a job he held until his retirement in 1988.

He had many interests, but especially enjoyed gardening, watching the Green Bay Packers, and spending time with his family. He was especially thrilled to be able to watch his beloved Chicago Cubs win the World Series in 2016.

Butch was a member of St. Bernard-St. Hedwig's Catholic Church and its Holy Name Society, the Knights of Columbus, Queen of Peace Council #4634, the Thorp VFW, the Thorp American Legion, and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.

He is survived by two children, Paul (Larry) Paskert of Thorp, WI, Jerry (Renee) Teclaw of Thorp, WI; seven grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren. He is further survived by six brothers: Alois Teclaw of Oshkosh, WI, Raymond (Valeria) Teclaw of Thorp, WI, Marion (Margaret) Teclaw of Johnston, IA, Norbert (Nancy) Teclaw of Oak Park, IL, Richard (Marlys) Teclaw of Celebration, FL, David (Carol) Teclaw of Shorewood, MN; one sister, Lillian Kaczmarek of Thorp, WI; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friend.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna, on September 16, 1997; three sisters, Florence Teclaw in infancy, Angeline Teclaw and Marcella Szymanski; one brother, Leon Teclaw; and one step-grandson, Quincy Paskert.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.