FRANKLIN, IN.
Dorothy Tegeler was an intelligent, tough, generous, and fiercely loving woman, who was always involved in her community, her church, and her family, whether they be near or far. Dorothy (Kenninger) Tegeler of Franklin, IN passed in her sleep at 5:51PM on June 7, 2024 at the age of 97.
She is survived by her brother Edward Kenninger (Donna) of Greenwood, IN, three daughters Karen L. Gebhard (Charles) of Beavercreek, OH, Sharon R. Helmer (Wayne, P.H.D.) of Russellville, AR and Christi T. Adams of Port Townsend, WA, seven grandchildren Laura Ford (Byron), Alan Helmer (Erin), Sandra Helmer, Ryan Helmer (Brittany, Sara Sharrock (Timothy), Corinne Adams (Jonathan) and Nick Adams, and great-grandchildren Aiden, Rory, Ursula, Wren, Eliza and Anna. She was especially beloved by her great grandchildren, who called her “GG,” and for whom she had endless patience and love.
Like many of her family members, she was a Cubs fan and watched all of their games. Her grandkids all treasure their memories of fishing, boating, and swimming at the lake house she lived in with her husband Fred C. Tegeler, who preceded her in death on January 28, 2011.
Dorothy had a deep strength of spirit, and she persisted through difficulty and hardship. She attended college while working part time and raising a family. She was the first woman treasurer of the Chicago City School District. She attended clown school and performed as a clown for hospitals, churches and schools. She was also a writer, and wrote and published short stories.
Dorothy was a fighter until the end, a woman who always did things in her own time and at her own choosing. We will all remember her strong faith in God, her great capacity for love, and her profound dedication to her family.
Pastor Brian Clark will conduct a memorial service on Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 3PM at Fair Haven Christian Church 1476 West County Road 300 South Franklin, IN and will be live-streamed
www.youtube.com/@FairHavenChristianChurch.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Christian Church 1476 West County Road 300 South Franklin, IN 46131 or Shepherd Community Center 4107 East Washington Street Indianapolis, IN 46201 or at www.shepherdcommunity.org.
Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN is handling the arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.
In Blackwater Woods (excerpt)
By Mary Oliver
To live in this world you must be able to do three things: to love what is mortal; to hold it against your bones knowing
your own life depends on it; and, when the time comes to let it go, to let it go.
