WWII Hero and a Pillar of the Community
By Garrett Mackay
John Frank Tegel
8/19/1919 - 3/17/2007
John Frank Tegel, a Navy veteran, was born on August 19, 1919, in the coal camp of Gunn, Wyoming[1]. He died in Colorado at the age of 87 on March 17, 2007. His parents were Frank and Frances Tegel. The family moved to Colorado when John was young, and he would return after his service to establish a career and family.
During World War II, John served as a Naval Gunner’s Mate 2/C. This rank is an E5 and a Petty Officer. He was assigned to both the Armed Guard and aboard the LCS 84, a 157-foot-long landing craft support ship that was armed with rockets and mortars to support amphibious landings. During his service, he earned a Presidential Unit Citation for heroic actions off the coast of Okinawa, Japan. Following the war, Mr. Tegel continued his service in a different fashion as he transferred to the U.S. Naval Reserves. He served as a reservist during the Korean Conflict.
Following his military service, John was employed by Adolph Coors Company, a brewery founded in 1873 in Golden, Colorado, that grew into one of the largest beer producers in the country. He worked hard and advanced within the company to achieve the role of the Brewing Department Supervisor. After 30 years, Mr. Tegel retired from Coors in 1978. Upon retirement and in search of a simpler life, John shifted his focus to his farm and apple orchard.
John married Maxine Johns, who passed away before him in 1987. At the time of John Tegel’s passing, he left behind a son, John "Jack" Tegel, from Gilroy, California, along with a grandson, Chris Tegel, and great-granddaughters, Chriselle and Carissa. His extended family and community included a nephew, John Lindner, from Arvada, Colorado, as well as stepchildren, grandchildren, and many close friends.
John was a man of many passions, including polka dancing, the ocean, and farming. He was a lifelong member of the Elks BPO Arvada Lodge, T.E.V. Edelweiss, and the Denver Kickers, organizations that reflected his deep appreciation for connection with others and community involvement. Known for his generosity, kindness, and sense of humor, he found great joy in bringing happiness to others.
When John passed, he was laid to rest at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. A memorial service was held on March 27, 2007, at Crown Hill Chapel in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, followed by his inurnment at Mount Olivet Cemetery.
While the town of Gunn, Wyoming, sits forgotten as a ghost town today, John Frank Tegel will be remembered for his service to his country. The people closest to him will miss his commitment to family, friends, and community. His love of life, generosity, and humor continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
Footnotes ↓
[1] Information for this biography can be found at:
https://www.ancestry.com/1940-census/usa/Colorado/John-Tegel_1dt4p1 https://www.coloradohistoricnewspapers.org https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/194223270/john-frank-tegel https://ancestors.familysearch.org/en/L563-2CG/john-frank-tegel-1919-2007
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