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Russell R. 'Dick' Teusch

Russell Richard "Dick" Teusch, 72, of Huntington, IN, died Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at 12:22 a.m. at his home.

Teusch retired in 1990 after a law enforcement career that spanned 31 years. A graduate of Huntington Catholic in 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, serving in the Air Force Police for four years. He worked for BF Goodrich until being hired by Huntington City Police Department in 1963, retiring after 22 years. He served as Huntington City police chief from 1976 to 1980.

He served as Roanoke town marshal for five years. He also was a security guard for Meldisco until retirement. He graduated from Fort Wayne Police Academy and Reed Institute in Chicago and was a trained police hypnotist.

Mr. Teusch was a member of one of the first scuba recovery units in Huntington County. He also handled the security of the Swing Inn in the 1960s, and later at McDonald's.

Mr. Teusch was an active member of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, American Legion and FOP 77.

He was born Jan. 2, 1940, to Russell H. and Lucy Jane Thomson Teusch. He married Bonnie Louise Beekman in February 1963 at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church. She survives.

Also surviving are six daughters, Polly Ann (Steve) Springer, of Fort Wayne; Elizabeth Jane "Liz" (Harold) Learned, of North Manchester; Nellie Jo (Dennis) Hieb, of Jeffersonville; Margaret Louise "Meg" Davenriner, of Huntington; Jennifer Louise (Jerid) Miller, of Louisville, KY; and Sarah Jane Teusch, of New Albany; three sons, Richard "Andy" (Bettina) Teusch, of Andrews; Matthew Beekman (April) Teusch, of Huntington; Nathan William (Rachel) Teusch, of Pekin; a brother, David (Rita) Teusch, of Huntington; a sister, Betty Beady, of Huntington; 23 grandchildren; Zachary, Adam and Jacob Springer, all of Fort Wayne; Russell and Ryan Teusch, both of Andrews; Michael Learned, of North Manchester; Riley, Tyler and Olivia Grace Hieb, all of Jeffersonville; Kaitlyn, Rebecca, Levi and Luke Teusch, Emily Teusch and Jarrod and Helena Davenriner, all of Huntington; Sarah, Elizabeth Nathan, and Leah Teusch, all of Pekin; August and Kilian Miller, of Louisville, KY; and Matthew Gipe, of New Albany; and a great-grandchild.

Calling is Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with Rosary at 6 p.m., at McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington. Additional calling will be Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, 860 Cherry St., Huntington. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow, with Rev. Ron Rieder, Rev. John Pfister officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Huntington.

Preferred memorials are for Masses to SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church and to Father Solanus Society, in care of McElhaney-Hart Funeral Home, 715 N. Jefferson St., Huntington 46750.

Online condolences can be made at: www.mcelhaneyhartfuneralhome.com.