Jo Ann Teske

Jo Teske passed away May 27, 2012 after a short illness at Hospice House in Hayden. Jo was born August 8, 1936 in Oklahoma City, OK. She married and had two children, Debra and Donna, then adopted a son, Kelly. She married Donald Teske in 1985. Jo graduated in 1970 with an Associate's Degree in Sociology from Riverside Community College in Riverside, California and was employed as an Eligibility Worker for the Riverside County Department of Social Services. After marrying Don and due to his job as an electrical engineer, Jo spent much of her time in the orient where she taught English and studied Eastern art. After Don's retirement, they purchased property and built their home in Rathdrum, ID. Jo completed training in Chinese Paper Cutting, Chinese Brush Painting, Stamp/Bamboo Caring and Printmaking, Chinese Calligraphy, Batik Fiber Art, Chinese Knotting, Chinese Cooking, Chinese Lute, Basketry, origami, printmaking and much more. Jo taught art classes in Japanese arts, calligraphy, crafts, paper cutting, paper tearing, brush painting, arts and crafts and sculpture. Jo also completed certification in Culinary Arts and attained the title of chef. She used this certification to host teas and dinners at Tranquility Bed and Breakfast. Jo enjoyed entering her artwork and needlework in local fairs where she earned many awards. All of these experiences led to Don and Jo opening Tranquility Bed and Breakfast in Rathdrum, ID. Jo is survived by her children, Debra Mendez, Donna LaChey and Kelly Hamilton-McHaley; her step children, Tim Quiroz, George Teske, Laura Teske, Nancy Caras, Senai Jones, Evan Teske and Pamela Longest; 16 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and may nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, her parents, one brother and one sister. At Jo's request there will be no service. Because Jo's death was so soon after her husband's death, their ashes were spread together. The surviving family wishes to thank all of the doctors and nurses at Kootenai Cancer Center, especially those in the Critical Care Unit. The family also wishes to thank the staff of the Hospice House of North Idaho.