Howard A. Teasdale

Howard “Boots” Teasdale, 85, of Sparta, passed away with family by his side at Gunderson Lutheran Hospital in LaCrosse on April 20, 2022.  He was born to Howard H. & Minnie (Nicol) Teasdale on September 13, 1936.

Boots graduated from Sparta High School in 1954.  He joined the National Guard while in High School.  Boots graduated from the Agriculture Short Course at UW-Madison following his High School graduation. 

Boots married Joanie Foellmi on October 26, 1957 at the Sparta United Methodist Church.  He  worked along side his father at the Monroe County Telephone Company as well as his father’s farms when needed.  Due to the Berlin Crisis, he was called up in 1961 to go with the 32nd Red Arrow Division of the National Guard.  He was stationed at Fort Lewis, Washington as a medic until June 1962 when his father had a farm accident resulting in his return to Sparta and ultimately farming full time and departure from the telephone company.  Together with his wife, Joanie, they settled on a farm near Cataract where he farmed for the rest of his life.  As a young child, he learned the value of hard work and it’s importance while helping his father with farm chores which he instilled in his children.

Boots served on various local boards and committees.  The 4-H Food Stand during the Tractor Pull and County Fair were the few days each year that took him away from the farm which he considered his vacation.  As an early adapter of ag technology, he believed in the use of conservation to preserve the environment. Throughout his life including into his 80’s he continued his desire for learning by attending various farm education classes.  He enjoyed time spent visiting with family and friends. 

Boots is survived by his wife, Joanie, to whom he was married for 64 years. Children: Amy (Kurt) Kiefer, Tim Teasdale, Peter (Sally) Teasdale, Jennifer Teasdale, and Heather (Tom) Teasdale-Stowell.  Grandchildren: Betsy (Adam) Jessie, Symon Teasdale, Abby (Mac) Smith, Tanner (Hailey) Teasdale, Courtney Hintz (Dusty Robinson), Matthew (Ali) Stowell , Gillian Teasdale, Gavin Hintz, Madysen Hintz, Martin Stowell, and Marshall Stowell.  Great-Grandchildren: Dax, Piper & Tatum Jessie, Winnie Smith, Jackson Robinson, and Brenton & Marvin Stowell.

Boots was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Minnie and his sisters, Jane Buzzell, Abby Olson & Nancy Gruner.

A private grave side family service will be held.  A celebration of life event will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be offered at schanhoferfh.com

The family would like to thank all of the support received from the Veterans Administration.

Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, assisted the family with funeral arrangements.  

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