Virgil D. Teslow

Virgil D. Teslow, 98, died at home on the 10th of October 2023.

He was born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota on December 30, 1924.

Virgil joined the national guard at age 15 1/2 to be able to send money home to his parents, during the depression. He then, served for 5 years in the US Army infantry, during WWII in multiple battles in North Africa and Italy. He was discharged in 1945 and returned home a decorated combat veteran.

After his discharge, he came to Rockford, where he attended Rockford business school. He met his wife Lilly Rahm, the love of his life, who was also, attending the school. They both graduated with business degrees. Together, they founded Teslow Co. and Teslow Garages, which they successfully operated for over 50 years...until Lilly’s death in 1996. At that time, Virgil sold Teslow Garages. He could not imagine running the business that they had created, without his wife, best friend and business partner of 50 years, at his side. They had been part of the Rockford area business community for many decades. Virgil and Lilly found a niche, in the post war market, building garages. At that time, most homes were not built with garages. They saw a need and a demand, which lasted the entire time Teslow Garages was in their trusted hands. They dominated the regional market, using only quality building products and honoring their word. The ‘greatest generation’s’, post war promise. Virgil served  as president of the Rockford Homebuilders Association in 1970 and 1971. He supported the church he attended, at that time and constructed buildings and garages for them. He cofounded an animal rescue with his wife and daughter. After his wife’s death, he met Virginia Hansen through her affiliation with the same animal rescue. They were married until Virginia’s death.

He spent his life caring and giving to others...His parents, his sisters, many of his relatives and to the community. If you were a family member or friend, Virgil helped you at some point in your life. His generosity was his hallmark.

Virgil died at home, in the house he built with and for his wife Lilly, in Roscoe, Illinois.

He was proceeded in his death by his mother Delia Teslow and his father Adolph Teslow. His sister Bernice and her husband John. His sister Lyla and her husband Lisle and after Lisle’s death, Lyla’s husband Tom. His sister Mildred. His brother’s Barney, Rueben and Hartvig. His daughter DiAnn and his son Dan.

He is survived by his daughter Darlene and her husband Michael. Virgil's son-in-law Clenny.                    

His grandchildren Trevor and his wife Cha, Audra, Greg, Nathan, Angela, Olianna, Danielle, Lisa and Rebecca.

His great grandchildren Maddy, TJ, Lily, Morgan, Caitlin, Adrianna, Samantha, Cody and many other family members.

I want to thank his caretakers Bonnie, Larisa, Tea, Manana, Jess, Connie, Jurga, Marcia and Kendra, who all cared for him so well and became like family to him and to the rest of the family. 

We will miss him forever.

Funeral service will be at 5:30 PM with a visitation from 4:30 PM until the time of service on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in Honquest Family Funeral Home-Mulford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Rd., Loves Park, IL. 

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