Mary Elizabeth Teichman

Mary “Liz” Elizabeth (Zindel) Teichman, aged 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, IL. 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 and the only girl for 10 years, she helped her mother with the expanding brood of brothers and eventual sister.

Liz graduated from Illinois State Normal College with a bachelor’s degree in business education, and taught high school classes in Mt. Pulaski, IL. 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 eighties. 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 play, she and Herb gave their children a sense of purpose and mission. Liz was not one to complain but provided a listening ear and great advice. She valued relationships with family, friends, and acquaintances, and was committed to make group gatherings happen -- events were 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, she is survived by her brother, Charles Richard Zindel, and sister, Evelyn P. (Robert) Schmitz.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herman F. and Alice M. Zindel, husband, Herbert F. Teichman, and brothers, Ralph C., Herman L. and James W. Zindel.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Bowerman Funeral Home in Eau Claire, Michigan. A time of visitation for family and friends will take place at the funeral home on Saturday, August 9, 2025 from 10 AM 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 ask donations be made to ShowerUp (https://showerup.org/donate/) or the Teichman Memorial Fund (check).