James Russell Tegelman of rural Two Rivers passed away at the age of 79 on Sunday, July 19, 2026, due to 5 years of dealing with Parkinson’s take over and heart failure.
James was born on July 25, 1946, son of the late Russell and Georgiana Tegelman. He was a 4-year Navy Veteran. James was employed with Manitowoc Co. for many years as a machinist and at Kelvinator for a short period of time between layoffs at Cranes. He enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, going to flea markets to buy beer and shot glasses – God knows how many of them he collected. James also enjoyed Friday nights out for fish and drinks with friends. He was a member of the Eagles Club until recently and was a member of Amvets Post 99 of Manitowoc Rapids.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years: Jane Tegelman; daughter: Casey Tegelman (fiancé Roger Mott and his family); brothers and sisters-in-law: Peter (Mary) Tegelman, Manitowoc, Scott (Linda) Tegelman, Manitowoc; brother-in-law and sister-in-law: Lee (Judy) Stefaniak of rural Two Rivers and their family; nephews and their families: Justin (Tina) Tegelman of Manitowoc, Chad (Shelly) Tegelman of FL; nieces: Sara Tegelman, Danielle Tegelman, and Stacy Tegelman; special friends: Diane (Jerry) Seidl, Mary Schuh, Ron (Janice) Schaden, Mike Pautz. James was preceded in death by his parents: Russell and Georgiana Tegelman; two brothers: Lance Cpl. Dale Tegelman who died in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam, July 1967, Russell Tegelman Jr.; sister-in-law: Molly Tegelman. He will join our departed Packer Club family friends that we truly miss: Ken Schuh, Erv Bratz, Ken Baumann. Those Packer parties were sure lots of laughs and fun. Also, nothing departed dear friend, Marjorie Olsen.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Pfeffer Funeral Home, 928 South 14th Street, Manitowoc. Deacon Al Boeldt will officiate. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Evergreen Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by Amvets Post 99.
The family requests any memorials be directed to Amvets Post 99 for their building fund in the name of James and Dale Tegelman.
Our wish is that our community steps up to help get the Amvets Post 99 facility a handicap access built, and remodeling done so our veterans that served our country have a place they can come together and reflect.
Special thanks to the staff of Emplify – Bellin Health Heart Clinic, Dr. Fuchs and his team, Complete Care of Manitowoc (Silver Lake Court Staff) and Sharon S. Richardson Hospice staff for stepping in right away when needed.
Expressions of sympathy can be made to the family by visiting www.lakeshorefamilyfuneralhomes.com
Lakeshore Family Funeral Homes, Pfeffer Funeral Home of Manitowoc is assisting the family with arrangements.
