Leland Ward Teschendorf

Leland Ward Teschendorf of Caro, age 75, passed away on Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Covenant Medical Center – Harrison, in Saginaw. He was born November 21, 1949 in Bad Axe, the son of the late Ward and Maxine (Witherspoon) Teschendorf. Lee graduated from Vassar High School with the class of 1967 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University in 1971. On March 1, 1975, Lee married the love of his life, Christine Cox, celebrating fifty years of marriage this past March. Their marriage was blessed with countless memories, a beautiful daughter, and so much love.

In 1973, Lee began working for the Tuscola County Sheriff’s Office as a Road Patrol Deputy, working his way up to Sergeant, Lieutenant, Jail Administrator and in 2008 was elected as Sheriff. He was skilled with the knowledge of guns and ammo and a proud member of the National Rifle Association, Caro Gun Club, and Richville Gun Club. Lee was an active member in the community, being a 2008 LEAD Tuscola graduate, past president and treasurer of the Greater Thumb Area Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 148, 2012 Honorary Chairman for Tuscola County United Way, served as a Vice Chair of Thumb Narcotics Unit, was the Tuscola Senior Citizens TRIAD coordinator, and First Vice Commander, Caro Squadron 7 Sons of the American Legion.

Lee was a member of many organizations, including, Caro Rotary, Caro Moose Lodge, Michigan Sheriff’s Association, Thumb Area Pheasants Forever, and Tuscola County Ducks Unlimited. He loved being outside and working on the family farm. Lee was always up to go hunting and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He was a loyal family man and consistently kind and understanding of everyone. Lee’s patience, knowledge, and devotion will be missed dearly.

Lee leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Christine Teschendorf; their daughter, Kristen Teschendorf; brother, Alan (Sharon) Teschendorf; nieces and nephews, Alyssa (Ryan) Robinson, Cindy (Scott) Briggs, Scott (Betheen) Teschendorf, Ryan (Baily) Teschendorf, Kyle Teschendorf, and Sonya (Andre) Paquette; uncle, August (Joann) Teschendorf; aunt, Molly Teschendorf; sister-in-law, Kathy (Eugene) Esckelson. In addition to his parents, Lee was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Teschendorf.

Lee’s funeral service will be on Friday, September 5, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Caro Church of the Nazarene. Rev. Paul McNett will officiate with the burial at New River Cemetery in Port Hope following the luncheon. The family will be present to receive visitors on Thursday, September 4, 2025 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and again on Friday at church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Special Olympics or American Cancer Society.