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John Jay Teigland, age 90, passed away on October 10, 2024 at his home in Lindstrom, Minnesota. He has gone to meet his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

He was born on May 10, 1934 in Fargo, North Dakota to parents Arthur and Marie Teigland, the second of three children. He was a 1952 graduate of Oak Grove High School in Fargo.

Education was very important to John. He completed his bachelor’s degree between Trinity College in Chicago, Illinois and Chico State College in Chico, California in 1957. He returned home to Fargo to get his master’s degree at North Dakota State University in 1962. He went on to earn his doctorate degree at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks,  in 1964. In addition to his PhD, John was a licensed psychologist.

His career focused on helping others and teaching his students to help others. He spent two years at UND as an assistant professor and instructor of counseling and guidance. He joined the staff of NDSU in 1966 as a professor of education and the director of counseling education. He served as chair of the Department of Education 1974 – 1980. John was also presiding officer of the Faculty Senate and Senate Executive Committee. At his retirement, after 28 years of teaching at NDSU, John was named Professor Emeritus by the State Board of Higher Education.

John was also very involved in Christian circles, both in church activities and on the campus. He was the faculty advisor for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship and then Campus Crusade for Christ. Over the years, he served in many different capacities within the church whether it was song leader, Sunday school teacher, elder, chairman, and even men’s softball coach.

After retirement, John and his wife Dawn built a lake cabin in Park Rapids, MN where the family spent time fishing, going on pontoon rides, having bonfires, and watching Grandpa John feed the birds and the chipmunks. It is at the lake cabin where John started his hobby of bird carving, a hobby that he continued until shortly before his death.

Although the lake cabin was special, John’s five grandchildren were even more special and in 2000, John and Dawn moved to the Lindstrom area to be near his family and grandchildren. He spent many years attending their different sporting events, concerts, and other activities. 

He was blessed to also spend time with his seven great-grandchildren these past 13 years.

John is survived by his wife of 69 years, Dawn; daughters Debra Flaherty (ex, Patrick Flaherty) and Kirsten Bouwens (Rick); five grandchildren Ryan Flaherty (Andria), Ora North, Tyler Bouwens (Sophia), Cameron Bouwens (Yvie), and Megan Bouwens; seven great-grandchildren Bradley and Connor Flaherty, Alayanna, Noelle, and Evelyn Bouwens, and Elias and Malachi Bouwens. He is also survived by brother Arne Teigland (Karen) of Carver, Minnesota, as well as many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Agnes Vigesaa (Ted) and his great-grandson Lucius Bouwens.

There will be a Celebration of Life held for John at Lakes Free Church, Lindstrom, Minnesota on Thursday, November 7, 2024. Visitation will be at 10 am, followed by the service at 11 am. A luncheon will be served following the service.

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