Donald Edward Tetley
Born 11-02-45 Died 09-28-23
What a great life this man had!
Predeceased by his father, Edward Bland Tetley and mother, Lucille Agnes Radil, and his sister, Joan. Survived by his daughter, Pamela Tetley and her two sons, Ethan and Caden, his wife of 25 years, Theresa Tetley and their son, Darden Tetley, and his brother, Edward Tetley (Donna). Graduated from Omaha South High and entered the Marine Corps at 17. Served in Chu Lai Vietnam as part of the Marine Air Group as an aircraft engine mechanic. Also served in the Air National Guard for the United States Air Force after returning home. He is a South Omaha Packer and Marine forever. Injured while under fire and honorably discharged from a military hospital in Germany. Returned to work at Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement. Continued designing railroad equipment with Snap-On Tools and then with Wulf’s Custom Welding. He designed tools and equipment for railroads across the country and all over the world as well as the Air Force. He was designing safety equipment until his last days. Loved mechanical engines. Piloted his plane with Denis Roberts for years. Golfed at Indian Creek with his railroad guys. Drove and raced every type of car, boat, motorcycle, ATV, and massive equipment like a Mantis rerailing crane or a Trackmobile that he could get his hands on. He loved reading manuals and could build almost anything. In recent years was able to work with his close friend, Marty Wulf, doing exactly what he loved. He fished and hunted almost all his life with his father, brother, Edward Tetley, and his cousins. He battled pancreatic cancer for years and thought Parkinson’s would get him but leukemia snuck up on him instead. “Big Don” 6’6” the marine was a good friend to have. He played the Beach Boys and 50’s and 60’s music all the time. He was proud of his children and thrilled when he was part of the pit crew when Darden won a national championship in robotics. Most recently, very proud to be there when Darden signed his Letter of Intent to swim for Midland University.
No services. Absolutely no flowers. There will be a gathering of friends of Don on November 5,2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm at Legends Bar and Grill, 6910 North 102nd Circle, Omaha, Nebraska. Donations to the family.
4 Comments
Our deepest sympathy to Don’s family. We will remember him in our prayers always.
Thank you very much. You are very kind
Theresa, you have my sympathies on Don’s passing. I hired Don to come to work at Snap-on Industrial after leaving the UP. He was a really good salesman and fun to work with. He mentioned you often and I could tell he was very much in love. After a few years, my career at Snap-on went a different direction and Don no longer reported to me. We lost touch. Over the years, I thought of Don often. I now regret not reaching out and saying hello. Take care and I wish you well.
Jay Wolter
Jay – Thank you for your comments. He remembered you fondly. I remember the 9/11 trip you both made trying to get home and safe. Blessings to you and your family.
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