Obituary of Dean William Tetzlaff

Dean William Tetzlaff, 83, of Carlinville, IL, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at his residence in Carlinville, IL. Dean was born September 27, 1941, in Carlinville, IL, a son of Ivan Ernest and Lillian (Bouillon). Dean graduated from Carlinville High School with the class of 1960. He married Margaret Downs April 16, 1961, in St. Paul's UCC. Dean was born and raised on his family’s farm in Carlinville. As the baby of the family, he was dotted upon by his big sister Marilyn. In 1961 Dean was married to his high school sweetheart and love of his life. In their 63 years together they were active members in many community groups and clubs. They also spent many years camping, attending rodeos and traveling to Texas with fellow Snowbirds. He learned to farm from his Dad. Alongside his older brother Jerry, they continued to farm until the 1990s. After retiring from farming he was a trusted and sought out employee of Rural King Farm supply in Carlinville. He and Mag also operated the Beaver Dam Bait Shop and cafe for eight years. Dean was an avid hunter and fisherman, throughout his years he delighted in sharing his outdoor hobbies with friends, children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He created many happy memories with his favorite people at the side of a pond, on a river fishing trip, in a duck blind or in a deer stand. Dean never met a stranger and has been a trusted friend to many in the Carlinville Community. He has always been excited to participate in any project tournament or fundraiser that was requested. From setting off 4th of July Fireworks, roasting hogs, frying fish, bowling, throwing horseshoes or building shelves for the community closet Dean was always present and ready to do anything. In recent years Dean became a committed and talented wood carver. He developed a great deal of joy in sharing carved figurines, critters, and scenes. He has carved hundreds of spoons and wooden knives and often shared these as gifts with anyone he met, up to his very last days. Dean was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gerald E. Tetzlaff, and infant brother, Lloyd Tetzlaff. Visitation and Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Moose Lodge, Carlinville, IL. Funeral Services will be conducted at 1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Carlinville. Burial will follow in Rural Cemetery, Carlinville. Dean is survived by his wife, Margaret Ellen Tetzlaff of Carlinville, IL, son, Larry Dean (Janna) Tetzlaff of Hettick, IL, daughter, Krista Lynette (Jeff) Hendricks of Warrenton, MO, granddaughter, Trisha (Josh) Waters, grandson, A.J. Hendricks, grandson, Austin Hendricks, granddaughter, Kelsey (Dalton) Sanson, four great grandchildren, sister, Marilyn Best of Carlinville, IL, Special Buddy, Keith Petri, as well as several nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to St. Paul's United Church of Christ or Hettick Community Club. Please visit www.davisandersonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences or light a candle in his memory. Davis-Anderson Funeral Homes, Carlinville is in charge of arrangements.