Earl Tellinghuisen

EARL EMIL TELLINGHUISEN was born on August 21, 1934 to Emil and Lora (Heldt) Tellinghuisen in Lake Benton Township, Lincoln County, Minnesota. He grew up on the farm near Lake Benton and attended country school. At a very young age he helped his Grandpa break horses as they arrived on the train in Lake Benton. When he was a kid he moved with his mom and brother to Pipestone and lived above Red Arndt. He attended school through the 8th grade. He then started working construction. When he turned 17 he enlisted in the United States Army. He entered the service on September 17, 1952 and went to Korea and also Japan when serving. He was honorably discharged on September 27, 1955. He came back to the Pipestone area and continued working construction as a carpenter and also did many other jobs. Occasionally his work brought him to other areas like California, which he enjoyed! He was united in marriage to Betty Derby. He was blessed with 9 children in his life. The couple lived in Pipestone throughout their marriage and Earl continued to live in their home until recently when his declining health brought him to Riverview Healthcare Center in Flandreau, South Dakota for care. He died peacefully there on Monday, July 26, 2021 at the age of 86 years, 11 months, and five days.

Earl was a hardworking person and his hard work brought him success in life. He liked to travel and later in life traveled to Australia, New Zealand, and loved fishing in Canada and the Gulf of Mexico near South Padre Island. He spent a lot of time with his first grandchild, Coty Tellinghuisen, who were like best friends; they loved to go fishing and camping together. His grandchildren all held a special place in his heart. He loved to make them happy by bringing them for rides on his scooter or playing catch with them. He could bring out their smiles and laughter like none other, and his smile would always match theirs!

His family members and friends will remember seeing Earl sitting in his recliner watching MASH with a beer in his hand and laughter ringing through the air. He also enjoyed riding motorcycles, telling stories, and watching John Wayne movies.

Earl is lovingly remembered by his wife, Betty of Pipestone; six children, Kim Tellinghuisen of Pipestone, Keith Tellinghuisen of Duluth, Minnesota, Konrad (Rita) Tellinghuisen of Redwood Falls, Minnesota, Pam Tellinghuisen of Pipestone, Laurel (Brad) Ykema of Jasper, and Linette (Nathan) Bahn of Wood Lake, Minnesota; many grandchildren; and many many great-grandchildren; and one brother, Larry Tellinghuisen of Maiden Rock, Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his parents; and three sons, Kevin, Todd, and Scott.