In loving memory of

Myron J. TeStrake
June 2, 1938 - June 10, 2017

MUSCATINE, Iowa - Myron John TeStrake, 79, of Muscatine, passed away on Saturday, June 10, 2017, at his home.

Celebration of Life Gathering will be from 4-7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at the Ralph J. Wittich-Riley-Freers Funeral Home. Online condolences: www.wittichfuneralhome.com


Myron was born on June 2, 1938, in Muscatine, the son of Elmer John and Cora Belle Haan TeStrake. He married Shirley Boller on January 14, 1956, in Canton, Missouri. They celebrated 61 years of marriage this past January.

Myron was an early bird and loved his work. He worked for the family business, TeStrake Brothers, Inc. that was started by his grandfather, John A. TeStrake in 1903. In the 1980's Myron took over the business from his father, Elmer and valued longtime, loyal customers and associates. He loved working with his dad and later on alongside his oldest son, Mark.

He was on the 1954 Muscatine High School state basketball championship team. He was a 50 year plus member of the Moose Lodge #388 and a former member of the A.F. & A.M. Masonic Lodge #641 and also drove a school bus for extracurricular activities for many years.

Myron enjoyed his many travels throughout his lifetime to Hawaii, Spain, California, Mexico and the Caribbean and his many visits to see his family in Kansas City, Minneapolis, Georgia, Nashville, Colorado and South Carolina. Myron loved sports, loved watching his kids play, and was a little league coach for his grandsons. He loved to boat, water ski, and tube on the Mississippi River, Gull Lake, Norfork Lake and Mark Twain Lake.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Shirley TeStrake of Muscatine; his children, Mark TeStrake and wife, Kathy of Muscatine and their children Tara Hamburg and husband, Matt, Jon TeStrake and wife, Sharon; Marcy Gear of Muscatine and her children, Gavin Gear and wife Meghan, Jacob Gear, Miles Gear and Meggie Gear; Matt TeStrake and wife, Kristi of Olathe, Kansas and their children, Ava TeStrake and Luke TeStrake; Mia Dirks and husband, Monte of Minneapolis, Minnesota and their children, Ani Dirks and Liam Dirks; two great grandchildren, Dean and Taylor; one brother, Don TeStrake and wife, Sue of Centennial, Colorado; one sister, Virginia Drinkall of Muscatine.

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Marion Hilton and Joan Baker.

Tributes

Lysle Whitmer wrote on Jun 15, 2017:

"Mark, and family, so sorry for your loss. I always enjoyed visiting with your father and doing business with him. A person always felt he had your best interest in mind when we would price grain. I remember some long conversations with him, and chuckled went I read that part of the obit. Our thoughts and prayers with you all."

Lynne Wilson Reimers wrote on Jun 15, 2017:

"Prayers to the TeStrake family. Myron and the Muskie gang were so important in my brother's life. Great memories over the years and my from my childhood watching those Muskie basketball teams. God Bless."

Randy & Lesa (Greenwald) Wagner wrote on Jun 15, 2017:

"Our deepest sympathy for your loss. You have lots of good memories to hold on to."

Jean Eichelberger wrote on Jun 14, 2017:

"Myron was good to work with over the years and his parents were friends with my parents. Condolences to the Testrake family. Virgil and Joan Eichelberger. "

John and Phyllis TeStrale wrote on Jun 13, 2017:

"Shirley and family We are so very sorry for your loss, please accept our sincere sympathy. John of course, has many memories of Myron. Most recently would be viewing the I80 truck show. I remember a couple of years ago we were looking at the house that used to be the hospital where they were born and Myron was helping John navigate the uneven terrain."

Matt Wilson wrote on Jun 13, 2017:

"TeStrake family - Please know that you are all in my prayers. I have such great memories of watching Myron, my dad and the rest of the old Muskies playing league basketball growing up. God Bless you all."

Lynn Keller wrote on Jun 13, 2017:

"Caring thoughts to all the TeStrake family during this difficult time. "

Larry & Linda Whitlock wrote on Jun 13, 2017:

"Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. Sincere Sympathy "

Karen McDaniel wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Prayers. "

Fred Kautz wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Many memories, but one which stands out is Myron's epic bucket which swished from way down town in the 1954 State Basketball Championship. That awesome shot, broke open a tight game and Muscatine went on to trounce DesMoines Roosevelt--Myron, you have done well---you worked hard,and raised and cared for a great family. May you rest in peace. "

jo ellen zybzrth meyer wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"shirley and family so very sorry for your loss"

Leslie Watson wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Leslie and Mick Watson"

Patti & Gary Harter wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Our condolences to the family. We have known Myron for years. I played basketball with him. He was a good man. The world is not as good a place without him."

Sharon Tumey Boron wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Myron was a great basketball player. He married my best friend Shirley, growing up in Wilton. Sorry for your loss Shirley. may god Bless you real good."

Tom Dillon wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Sorry to hear of the passing of Myron, I can still hear the radio broadcast of his half court shot at the state basketball championship."

Evert White wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Myron was classmate, fellow athlete, and friend. Sincere condolences to his family."

Sherry Boynton wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Dear Shirley and family, So sorry for your loss!!!! Please know we are thinking of you all and sending our thoughts and prayers at this time. Sherry and Mike Boynton"

Misty wrote on Jun 12, 2017:

"Wishing you comfort and courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart. "

Mary Ann DeSchepper wrote on Jun 11, 2017:

"So sorry for your loss, Kathy and family. You have our deepest sympathies."

JoAnn Brauns wrote on Jun 11, 2017:

"Myron was a easy going guy who worked long hours to make our class reunion successful. Barry and I had fond memories of the trip to Hawaii and all the fun at the Don Ho show. He will be missed. My condolences to Shirley and Kathy and your whole family. "

cecelia ziegenhorn bean wrote on Jun 11, 2017:

"The family has my deepest sympathy.Mr TeStrake you WILL be missed.You were loved by ALL."

Miriam Stark Ely wrote on Jun 11, 2017:

"Please accept my sympathy on the passing of Myron--We were in the same class @ Muscatine High--class of 1956!!! "