Coach Teall crossed the “Finish Line” of life, at peace, surrounded by a loving family, on Wednesday evening. He finished with a time of 72 years, 4 months, 9 days, 11 hours and 30 minutes.
Born Russell Edgar Teall in Elkhart, Indiana on February 15, 1948 at 10:35 a.m., the son of Edgar Finnus and Helen Irene (Upson) Teall, he passed away at his Plymouth home on June 24, 2020 at 10:05 p.m. He has resided in Dunlap, Indiana (22 years), Albuquerque, New Mexico (2 years) and Plymouth the past 48 years. Russ graduated from Concord High School in 1966. During his high school years, he was described as a ‘late bloomer’ by then track coach Dale Kelly who Russ would call a father-figure. Kelly brought out the best in Russ much like Russ has done for countless male and female student athletes at Plymouth High School. He also played varsity basketball and baseball at Concord. He would then go onto Ball State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in secondary education in 1971 and then a Master’s Degree from IUSB.
He fell in love with Jeannette Sarita Miller and the two were united in holy matrimony on February 23, 1971 in Elkhart. Always together in support of one another they were nearing a 50-year milestone. They were blessed with two adoring sons, Brian Russell Teall and Eric Eugene Teall. The family was steeped in their Christian faith as they worshiped together at the Trinity United Methodist Church in Plymouth.
Russ was incredible at balancing family life with the dedication he gave his 37-year career as a teacher and coach in the Plymouth School Corporation from 1973 – 2010. He influenced many lives in the classroom as a World History teacher and on the road as a Driver’s Education instructor. He retired from teaching but remained on the track & field coaching staff until his death. There is no question Russ was a motivator and he used many methods which included “General Patton” type speeches leading his athletes to the battlefield. He preached, “Never quit. Never give up.” Russ offered; “If you run track, expect to be proud. You wear the uniform not just to impress girls.” He also coached multiple levels of basketball.
In 1986 he was nominated by the IATCC as Indiana’s Coach of the Year. His Dual Meet Record stands at: 179 wins, 76 losses; three ties, Five Sectional championships, Five NLC Conference championships, Three NLC Runner-up championships, Two Goshen Relay titles and Three Goshen Relay runner-up titles.
Russ enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and close friends. His Monday morning golf routine during his retirement years was the highlight of his week. He literally knew no strangers. Coach Teall always had an encouraging word to help you find a “Gear” that you didn’t know you had. He truly cherished the time he spent with all his students and athletes both former and current. Russ was the prototypical “old school” teacher and coach. He believed there was no limit to achievement as long as you were willing to give a 110% of your effort.
Russ was an avid runner who completed 15 Blueberry Stomps (which he helped create) as well as completing multiple road races including the Fort Wayne and Chicago marathons. He took pride in keeping physically fit which included him actually performing along with his P.E. classes. Throughout Russ’s life he was an outdoor enthusiast which mainly focused around whitetail deer hunting. He especially valued his time spent in the woods with his son Eric by his side. Russ and Jeannette enjoyed spending the last 5 winters in Florida together. Their “M.C. Gang” friends are a golden treasure. He was a loving family man and friend. His “dash” between his starting and ending time here on Earth was full. Russ is survived by his devoted family; wife Jeannette; son Brian, wife Tabby and son Connor of Bremen and mother of Connor, Susan; son Eric, wife Wendy and children, Tucker and Rylee of Plymouth. His mother-in-law, Gladys Mast of Goshen, two sisters-in-law Jeri Elaine (Mike) Raabe of Arvada, Colorado and Charlotte Lucille (Lee) Martin of Lexington, Kentucky as well as two brothers-in-law Willis Eugene Miller of Portland, Oregon and LeRoy (Sherry) Mast of Greenfield, Indiana survive. Additionally, Russ had a close relationship with his cousins and extended family which filled his life with joy and great memories.
Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6th from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Plymouth Wesleyan Church, 11203 Michigan Road, where a tribute service will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday evening July 7th. Following the tribute service all will be invited to join in a procession to the legendary track & field of Plymouth High School where Russ spent so many years impacting lives for a twilight final lap with Coach Teall.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth at a later date.
In remembrance of Russ and his teaching/coaching career, a preferred memorial gift may be made to the ‘Coach Teall Scholarship Fund’ at the Marshall County Community Foundation, 2680 Miller Drive, Suite 120, Plymouth, IN 46563.
The family greatly appreciates the many prayers, words of support and acts of kindness shown them during Russ’s amazing life on this earth.
John Houin says
My condolences and prayers to all the Family.
Stacy Turley says
I am so sorry for your loss of this great man, teacher, and coach. Coach Teall influenced and changed my life in many ways. In the early 80’s, not only was he my World History teacher, but he was also my girls basketball coach and driver’s education instructor. He taught me to live big, work hard and laugh out loud. He was a great mentor and role model, and I loved bumping into him in Plymouth when I was home visiting my parents over the years. One of my favorite stories to tell about him was when our girls basketball team had a sleepover at a team member’s house. In the middle of the night we decided to tee-pee Coach Teall’s house. We thought we were being quiet and sneaky, but the entire time he was watching us out of one of the windows. He let us completely finish the job and return to the party. Then at the crack of dawn, he called the parents at the home of where we were staying, and told them what we did. He insisted we come back over immediately and clean it all up. And we did!! We were so tired and so disappointed that we had done such a wonderful job tee-peeing the house. It took us hours to clean it up!! But he hung out with us, laughed with us, and provided encouragement as we worked to clean up the mess. I still laugh about this event as I tell my kids the story…over and over. I will miss you, Coach Teall! God bless you and yours!
Jeannette S Teall says
Hi Stacy,
Hope this finds you having a blessed Sunday. Are you planning to help with Registration at Coach Teall’s Golf Outing Friday, September 2nd? You should arrive around 9:30am. If not that’s ok; but I need to line up volunteers.
Sincerely,
Jeannette Teall
Nathan Mayer says
I had the pleasure of knowing Mr. Teall/Coach Teall for a long time. From being elementary school friends with Eric, to having him as a freshman gym teacher, to seeing him at every PHS sporting event possible, Mr. Teall was always a joy to see. He was always quick with a handshake or a fist bump or a hearty slap on the back, and he’d always ask how I was doing and how things were going. He had a knack for making you feel like the most important person in the world at that moment. My last interaction with him was helping him pick out World War II movies at the library and he was just as friendly as always, again hitting me with a fist bump and a back slap and asking how I was doing. I don’t recall ever calling him “Russ” even through adulthood, because he was one of a few teachers that I liked and respected so much (like Mr. Leland, Mr. Scott and Mr. Edison) I just couldn’t bring myself to ever call him anything other than Mr. Teall or just “Coach.” Eric and family, I’m sorry for your loss. Mr. Teall was a good man. As good as they get.
Bill & Donna Girten says
Teall Family, our hearts are breaking for you. We have so many great memories of the times we spent with Russ, especially when Bill & Russ played slow pitch on the same team. Such great times! Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!
Carol Finkbiner says
Keeping all of you in our thoughts and prayers. We’ll miss seeing Russ around town. Whenever we saw him he always wanted us to tell Tom and Bill hi. How he remembered their names when he had taught or coached so many was amazing. Russ was a great teacher and coach.
Judy Bailey says
Jeanette and family – Our sincere condolences, compassion, and comfort to all.
Judy, Barb, and Bill
Diane C Kuskye says
Jeanette and family, so sorry to hear of Russ passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Russ you will be missed.
Bill and Deb Miller says
Thoughts and prayers for your loss. Bill always enjoyed the old guys Monday golf outings. The stories about Russ are legendary, a good time was had by all. The golf outings will not be the same without Russ. Hugs and prayers. Love Bill and Deb Miller
Fred Funk says
Sorry for your loss. Russ was great teach coach and person. God bless
Kathy and Fred Funk
James Probst says
As the 1970’s came to a close, Coach Teall certainly motivated me to run farther and faster than I thought possible. And I always got the feeling no matter how hard he pushed, that he’d done the work himself and then some. I wish his family the best.
Jim Probst
Bozeman, Montana
Susan Danielson says
Jeanette and Family, So sorry to hear this sad news. Russ leaves a wonderful legacy behind. He will be truly missed. I will be keeping you all in my thoughts in prayers.
Susie Reinholt says
A life well-lived. Good job Coach. !
Jim and Cathy Phend says
Jeannette, Jim and I are saddened to hear of Russ’s passing! It was always a pleasure to talk with Russ. He always had a good story to tell and always had a smile. I’m so happy we were able to share some of your Florida time this past winter with you and Russ! We were looking forward to more of that! We send our love and sympathies.
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder says
A good man, has gone to live, with God.
Our sympathy,
Ren and Beverly Van Gilder
Nathaniel Haeck says
So sorry to the family for the loss of Coach Teall. Had many fun memories in high school of working with him with the track and field teams and working alongside him as the manager.
He will be very missed.
Joe Byelick says
My condolences to the Teall family. I had the pleasure of having Mr. Teall as my 7th grade basketball coach and high school World History teacher. I genuinely enjoyed learning from him in both sports and school. I remember him playing full court basketball with us during PE class in his Chuck Taylor All-Stars. Many also enjoyed his style and sense of humor. I had great respect for him while I was in school.
Ken Shilt says
I am very sorry for your loss. Having known Russ from his very first year at PHS, as a gym teacher and freshman basketball coach, he got to know each student and stressed sportsmanship and 100% effort. If it was during school years or after graduation, he always give you a smile and would ask how you were doing. While refereeing basketball games, he would use those games at teaching moments for the players. He was truly a class act. While we miss him, there will be moments that can be handled better because of the influence he had on us. He embodied three important rules: 1). Do what is right, 2). Always do your best, and 3). Treat others the way you want to be treated. We all are jealous of the Angels around the thrown tonight because he has joined them. Tears are the price we must pay for loving someone. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Manijeh Carmichael says
So sorry to hear about Russ’s passing. I’m glad we were able to see him at last year’s Teal/Teal Reunion. Although I didn’t know him well, I have fond memories. (Cousin Nancy Teal’s Daughter)
Randy Master says
The ultimate coach & teacher on & off the court or track, and in or out of the classroom! He always genuinely cared and was happy to catch up with you! God Bless You Coach Teall! We know where you are! RIP! Grace, Peace & Love, Randy PHS ‘78
Anne McKinnon says
You are in our thoughts and prayers. We are heartbroken for you and your family and are so sorry for your loss Jeannette. Please accept our sincere condolences. Russ was a very special man and we will miss him dearly. Paul and Anne
Rick Derf says
Our heartfelt condolences to Jeannette and the family. Russ was a good friend and admired by so many. He played on my softball team several years and was a great teammate to so many through his lifetime. And our paths crossed many times through the years that I was a sportscaster for Plymouth sports. Russ always was an encourager, as Christ instructed us to be. What a fine legacy he leaves behind. His spirit will live on for many years through the wonderful family he cherished. God bless you all, knowing that he is in Heaven running a race that is never ending and filled with joy.
Donna Taber Whitmer says
My sincere sympathy to your family at this sad time….
Vicki Miller says
Jeanette my prayers for your family at this time. May God bless you with comfort and peace.
Pat Olson says
Eric:
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad’s passing. My thoughts and prayers, are with you and your family. Be well
Bill Nixon says
There are hundreds of stories I could pass on due to my time with Russ.
1. The golf tournament at Blueberry Festival with Bob Wise, Mark Childs, Russ and I. Mark could hit it a long way and Russ would get excited on every hole and would smack one down the fairway. I hope he didn’t play with Eric that much because I understand from Pete Buchanan that Eric can hit it a long way. Russ would have come home exhausted.
2. The poker parties at Chaney and Pettibones. Russ did not have a poker face. When he began to jump up and down in his seat you better fold. The poker parties in Chaney’s garage………we won’t go there.
3. The sectional track meets – I love to watch track. Watching Russ fly around the football field with each race was enthusiasm in motion. But even better, it didn’t matter if our guys got first, second or last, Russ would always give them positive reinforcement.
4. Only Russ could kill a bat in his house with a bow and arrow. True story that is documented.
5. Sometimes the coaches office would get a little wild; but get even wilder when Russ would come in. I always wondered what our players would have thought if they had been a fly on the wall.
6. But in a more serious nature I can honestly say that I never saw Russ Teall ever say a bad word about anyone. He must have done a good job of raising his boys because I never saw or heard them get involved in stuff that teenagers get involved in. Maybe Jeanette can dispute my premise but that doesn’t count. Married couples are open to ague about things. That is called living. I can bet if it happened, Russ was like all of us men and he always lost.
7. I think Rusty’s story in the Pilot News said it all. And anyone who knew Russ could not have read it without tears in his eyes.
Lind Jacobson says
Jeanette, Brian and Eric, My heart aches for your loss. Russ wan an amazing man. Always with a smile on his face and a story in every conversation. He surely will be missed by so many. Death leaves a heartache no on can heal; love leaves a memory no on can steal. Keep those memories forever.
John Wade says
I had Coach Teall as my freshman basketball coach and will never forget the game we lost against South Bend Andrew Jackson . He told us boys when we got back to the school that none of us were going anywhere, we were getting dressed and running line drills and he did just that, he made us run line drills before we went home that night.
He was the best at teaching life lessons and what he taught me has stuck with me my entire life. He was a great coach and mentor and will be missed dearly.
John Wade
Class of 1982
Linda Myers says
I want to express my deepest sympathy to your family. May it help to know that your lifted up in many prayers. Blessing your family.
Mike Ball says
Heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Teall and all of coach’s family and friends. Those of us touched by coach were made better…. He and my dad are my #1 role models in life. To this day, when things get tough, and I feel like quitting or slowing down… I hear Coach Teall standing on the bleachers at Lambert Fieldhouse at the Purdue Relays, yelling at the top of his lungs… Get Northwood Ball !, Get Northwood ! He always expected your very best effort…. taught you that you had more in your tank than you thought. I would not have ever run track if Coach Teall hadn’t “recruited” me one night working out in the weight room…. I’m thankful that I got to sit next to Coach at a Plymouth Rockies game in 2017… It was nice to be with him and share stories. I wonder how many like me were changed for the better from our time with Coach. Aloha Coach… We love you.
Jana Stoltenberg says
Dear Jeannette, Brian, and Eric,
I’ve kept in touch with your journey, such a journey. Please know that, even though I won’t be able to attend your celebration, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Your friendship and your family will always be a part of my cherished Plymouth memories. I know our Lord will prove Himself faithful to you during this time of saying good-bye and in all the days to follow.
My love,
Jana
Dina Smith Pintal says
Jeanette, Brian, and Eric,
I never saw Russ without a smile on his face and a kind word coming from his mouth, He was a great role model and coach to so many people. Please know I’m thinking about and praying for you all.
Madeline Johns says
Jeannette and family – May God hold you in his hands and give you comfort. I’m sure the Lord will open his arms and welcome Russ home with “well done my good and faithful servant, well done”. Johns family
Clara Woolley says
Jeannette, Brian, Eric:
The death of Russell, husband, father, leaves a big hole in your family. You will fall into the hole, possibly less as time goes on. The hole will always be there, and sometimes you can walk around. Please know that your loss is shared.
Amanda Pervier says
Jeannette,
Mr. Teall was a wonderful person while attending Plymouth high school from 1993 to 1997. He always had a smile on his face and he was a great teacher/motivator. I remember him well even though I was not in track and Field. I left Plymouth in 1997 and Returned in 2018. He ended up being my neighbor. He would always talk to me as he was walking his dogs are working out in the neighborhood. I missed seeing him the last few months. Jeanette and Russ were the only Neighbors that welcomed us to the neighborhood with brownies in December of 2018, when we bought our house in Pilgrim Meadows. I’ll never forget it. The Hoosier spirit was alive in their home. It brings tears to my eyes to know that he has passed. We want to pay our respects. We love you Jeanette even though we haven’t spoken I’ve always adored being your neighbor.
Love the Pervier’s
Kevin and Donna Chaney says
Jeannette: Our deepest condolence to you, Bryan, Eric and the entire family. It sadden us so to hear the loss of your soul mate, my colleague, and our friend. Kevin and I have fond memories of the good times spent with you and Russ. Remember the Euchre games and after ball game get-to-ethers? You as a couple made those times fun. Russ will always have a special place in our hearts and no doubt that God heard the prayers offered in his name. Please keep in touch and remain a dear friend. Love you and praying for your family during this time. Please forgive us for not attending the service you have put together, but with the Covid-19 threat we feel staying at home is best for your safety. Donna Chaney
Shirley Gidley says
To the family of Coach Teall
I always enjoyed working with Russ when I subbed and later as we both subbed
I enjoyed his wit, determination, dedication, and love of history, sports and most of all to his students in all endeavors
I won’t be with you all today or tomorrow. I’m following the social distancing rules and since I am way past the 65 mark have been advised to obey. I know, sometimes it is hard to do but I have family and more that I think I am destined to do
Sending my thoughts and prayers to all
Kathy Bailey Snyder says
Jeanette and family,
My heartfelt condolences as you say your goodbyes and celebrate a life well lived. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you learn to continue your life journey without your love one. Our God will be faithful in all your needs.
Much love,
Kathy Snyder
David A. Kain says
Coach Teall’s Family,
Coach Teall was my son’s coach, and Coach also knew the parents of the teams that he coached. I could not call Coach by his first name because is it did not seem respectful enough. I just had to call him Coach.
My son’s name is Tom Kain and he has an incurable disease.
The last time that I saw Coach Teall, he was not doing well himself. But, Coach was was only thinking of my son Tom when he told me to take good care of Tom.
We have truly lost a special person in Coach Teall.
Family of Dave Kain