Delbert (Del) Arnold Teeters, 84

Delbert (Del) Arnold Teeters passed away May 16, 2013, in Coeur d’Alene. Delbert was born on Feb. 8, 1928, in Columbus, Mont., where he grew up on a dairy farm. The farm was located outside town, many miles from the local school. Delbert, his brother and two sisters would make their long journey back and forth to school every day on foot. As Delbert would say, “it was uphill both ways.”

Delbert and his family moved to Laurel, Mont., when he was in the third grade. It was there he met Adelpha Vaught, his future wife. Delbert and Adelpha were married in Laurel on June 16, 1949. Together they raised their three sons, Bill, Bruce and Randy.

While enlisted in the U.S. Army, Delbert served two tours in Korea. After his discharge, he attended Montana State University, (Bobcats) and graduated with a degree in agriculture. After receiving his degree, Delbert worked for several dairy’s and state agencies before he ventured into a business partnership with his brother, Bill. Together they purchased the Laurel Worden Creamery in 1965, where they made and sold butter, milk and ice cream. The creamery eventually became the largest butter producer in the state of Montana. Delbert was very active in the American Legion, Chamber of Commerce and the Rod and Gun Club. In 1972, Delbert sold the creamery to two of his sons, Bill and Bruce, so that he could pursue his dream and travel throughout the United States.

In the mid-80s Delbert, Adelpha and their youngest son, Randy, traveled to Alaska up the Alcan Highway, approximately 1,600 miles of gravel road, which the trip lasted approximately six weeks. Delbert talked of this trip many times. After retiring from the creamery he and Adelpha traveled all over the United States in their motor home. They became known as “snowbirds” settling down in Arizona during the winter months and Laurel, in the summer.

In 2002, Delbert and Adelpha made their permanent home in Hayden. Delbert enjoyed watching his granddaughter, Crystal, a.k.a. Ding-Do-Dolly, grow up and play sports. Crystal gave “Papa” a few time outs, many hair cuts and he even let her win at the game of Sorry a few times.

One of Delbert’s favorite past times was walking and picking up aluminum cans. Unfortunately, he will not be able to continue his hobby as there are no beer cans in Heaven.

Delbert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Edith Teeters; both of his sisters, Shirley Nydeggar and Myrle Frank; and his brother, Bill Teeters. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Adelpha, of Coeur d’Alene; and their three sons, Bill, his wife, Remy and their children, Mike, Nancy, Nori and David of Laurel, Bruce, his wife, Karen and their children, Devienne and Rene of Laurel, and Randy, his wife, Kriss and their children, Brian (Colorado) and Crystal of Coeur d’Alene. Delbert is also survived by many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held in Laurel at a later date.