Obituary of Clifford C. TeStrake

Clifford Clyde TeStrake was born May 7, 1915 in Muscatine County the son of John W. and Charlotta Sywassink TeStrake. On November 25, 1937 Cliff was united in marriage to Lela Ellen Potter in Muscatine, Iowa. Cliff was a life-long resident of the Muscatine area and a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher and volunteer grounds keeper. He farmed for many years and then became a salesman for Farm Service Company retiring from that position in 1980. Over his sales career, he earned numerous awards for excellence. He then worked for his son Michael in construction until 1995. He enjoyed sports, gardening, writing poetry and spending time with his family. He was an avid volunteer for charitable organizations being one of the founders of CROP WALK from the 1950�s, supporting his Church. He belonged to the Gideon�s Society and Moose Lodge. Survivors include his children; Jolene of Iowa City, Steven and his wife, Sue of Geneseo, Illinois, Lottie of Muscatine, Michael of Lakeville, Minnesota, Holly Churchwell of Muscatine and Lynn Festa and her husband, George of Orange, Massachusetts; eight grandchildren, Tammy Dunker and her husband, Brad, Jon TeStrake and his wife, Kim, Melissa Bailey and her husband, Michael, Erik TeStrake, Jason and Amanda Churchwell, Lela and Mary Festa; and five great-grandchildren, Avery, Emma and Laney Dunker, Alexis TeStrake and Lillian Churchwell. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Charlotta TeStrake; his wife Lela, sisters Harriet Ziegenhorn and Mrytle Royal and a brother Harold TeStrake.