Leo Duane Teerlink

Leo Duane Teerlink passed away in the early morning hours of August 6, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. Duane was the hardest working man we have ever known. His joy was his family, and his time became theirs as he was always working on something to better their lives.

Duane was born on May 21, 1950, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Leo and Lorna Teerlink where he grew up on a lively street in Murray, Utah. The youngest of seven children, Duane had an adventurous childhood full of mischievous stories with his lifelong neighborhood friends that often got him in hot water with his mother. It is a wonder that he didn’t meet his demise earlier. He met his sweetheart, Maureen Teerlink, in the summer of 1968. While dating Maureen, Duane attended the University of Utah before enlisting in the Utah Air National Guard on December 10, 1968. He had a great sense of pride in his military service where he honorably served his country for 26 years, retiring with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. Maureen and Duane were married June 5, 1971 and solemnized their marriage in the Salt Lake City Temple on January 30, 1974. Together they raised 4 beautiful children. Duane was a contractor by trade and was meticulous in his work and blessed the lives of many through serving them with his talents. He also had the opportunity to serve many tours of active duty with the Utah Air National Guard. Often gone for extended periods of time traveling all around the world, he had great stories of adventures to share. He received the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Team Chief of the Year Award and Air Force Longevity Service Award among others during his time in the National Guard.

Although work was his hobby, he enjoyed being outdoors camping and boating with his family. Duane was an introspective man with a witty sense of humor that few saw, but was always quietly giving of his time and talents to family, friends and neighbors in need. He taught his four children the importance of stretching a dollar and the value of work. They always understood that if you’re going to do a job, you do it well. He was a man that could fix anything. Duane enjoyed his time at home and in his later years he found solace working to develop his property. His grandchildren have many memories, spending hours with him as he masterfully worked his track hoe and dreamed of his seventh custom home he would one day build for the love of his life.

Unfortunately, we were all robbed of this dream and others as the last five years of his life were spent battling a long and cruel diagnosis of Alzheimer's. We would like to thank the wonderful staff at Inspiration Home Health and Hospice who through their attentive and gentle care, made the last few weeks of his life and this transition so much easier for all of us.

Duane is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maureen Teerlink; his children, Jennifer (Steve) Butcher, Amy (Shawn) Hadley, Michelle (Garrin) Mascarenas, Jason (Cybill) Teerlink and 23 grandchildren; Also survived by brother, Terry Teerlink and sisters Viola Overduyn, Carol Liedtke and Leona Prince.

Preceded in death by his parents, Lorna and Leo Teerlink, sister Tamra Tischner and brother Prime Teerlink. We are comforted in knowing that they were there to greet him as he returned to his Father in Heaven.

A man of great integrity and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Duane was always giving of himself. He left a legacy of love and service for his children and grandchildren to follow. We will miss him terribly but find peace in knowing he was received into the loving arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ and we look forward to the day we will be with him again.

Funeral services will be held Friday, August 12, 2022 at 11:00 am at the Sandy Utah Crescent Stake Center, (10945 South 1700 East, Sandy, UT 84092) where a viewing will be held Thursday evening from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm and again Friday morning 10:00 am to 10:45 am prior to the services. Interment will follow the services at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092).