08/05/2025
Mary “Liz” Elizabeth (Zindel) Teichman, 94, of Eau Claire, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2025. Born on August 14, 1930, in Blue Mound, IL to Herman F. and Alice M. (Lambdin) Zindel, she grew up near Moweaqua. The family moved between rented farmsteads until they purchased their own land to raise dairy cattle and cash crops. Although an outdoor tomboy at heart but the only girl for 10 years, she helped her mother indoors with the expanding brood of brothers and eventual sister.
Liz graduated from Illinois State Normal University with a bachelor’s degree in business education, and taught high school classes in Mt. Pulaski. A summer job at Smallbone’s Resort in Sister Lakes, MI led to her eventual marriage to Herbert F. Teichman on June 13, 1954. Together they transitioned to the second-generation ownership of the Teichman family farm, Skyline Orchards. A vision to share the beauty and bounty of the land led to the corporate establishment of Tree-Mendus Fruit Farm & Market as a pick-your-own and agri-tourism destination. Liz managed the bookkeeping and many other seen and unseen aspects as needed. After many trials and tastings, she came up with a special recipe for a cherry topping loaded with the farm’s tart cherries and minimal “goop.” Commercially produced and sold as “Cherry Brite” at the farm market, it generated quite a following especially when added to a freshly baked “waffle boat” and topped with whipped cream. Even after the transition to next generation management and then ownership, she was an ever-present assistant filling in wherever needed.
Liz had a love for riding horses through the farm’s orchards and woodlands on her trusted Tennessee Walker well into her 80s. She was the voice and force that gained her children after-school and 4-H activities, and even horse showing at the Berrien County Youth Fair during the busy harvest season. Whether at work or otherwise, she and Herb gave their children a sense of purpose and mission. Liz was generous. One could not leave her house without a piece of fruit, flower, cash for gas, or some other provision. She was not one to complain but rather provided a listening ear and gave wise advice. She valued each person she met. Group gatherings of family, friends, and/or acquaintances were important to her and not complete without her lattice-topped fruit pies.
Liz will be remembered for a strong, quiet faith in God’s provision and presence, a wonderful and frequent smile, and few but well-placed words. She had a beautiful soul and blessed many a life. Her children, Lynnell (Grant) Sage, Cynthia (Glen) DeValk, and William (Monica) Teichman, will forever cherish the joy and care she brought to their lives. May her grandchildren, Kate (Joseph) Wynn, Alexis (fiancé Hugh Amano) Teichman, Will (fiancée Caitlin Weaver) Teichman, and Olivia Teichman, along with her great-grandchildren, Zebadiah, Ezekiel, Ira and anticipated baby Wynn, carry on Liz’s God-given devotion to those around her.
In addition to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, she is survived by her brother, Charles Richard Zindel; sister, Evelyn P. (Robert) Schmitz; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Helen and Barbara Zindel and a brother-in-law, Robert Schmitz.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman F. and Alice M. Zindel; husband, Herbert F. Teichman; brothers, Ralph C., Herman L. and James W. Zindel and sisters-in-law, Mary and Carol Zindel.
The family would like to thank the caregivers, Theresa Cheatham, Detra Dent, Sherrie Heron, Juliana Reynaga, Sozina, Judy Stilwell, and Synthia, who assisted Liz during the last few years of her life, and Corewell Health (Caring Circle) Hospice for their wonderful help and care.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire, MI. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, Aug. 9 from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a funeral service. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Caldwell Cemetery in Eau Claire. In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to ShowerUp (https://showerup.org/donate/) or the Teichman Memorial Fund.
