Carl Dennis Teitge

After many years of struggles with a multitude of health issues, Carl Teitge fought hard to overcome all his complicated health issues that eventually ended his life. Despite his challenges, Carl remained committed to his passions and work until the very end.

Carl was the first baby born on January 1, 1946, in Tacoma Washington to parents Jack and Irene Teitge. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Tacoma in 1964, he earned a degree in economics from WSU and graduated Magna Cum Laude from Willamette University of Law. He returned to Tacoma and began a successful career as an accomplished trial lawyer eventually establishing his own practice.

After his kidney failure and subsequent transplant, he reinvented himself and transitioned into real estate development. Carl developed over 1,000 building lots on numerous projects across the state of Washington. He was deeply passionate about creating building lots for several nonprofit Federally funded programs, establishing communities to help disadvantaged families create sweat equity while building their own homes. True to Carl’s nature he felt these programs in his words were a “hand up and not a big handout.”

Carl was a mentor. He loved helping everyone he could. With his many skills in real estate, building and law Carl was the person anyone could call if they had a problem and needed advice or guidance. He positively impacted and helped countless individuals throughout his long and fruitful career.

Carl was a man of integrity, exemplified reliability and is known for his unwavering and exceptional work ethic. He never stopped educating himself on his health and work topics.

Beyond his professional endeavors, he was characterized by his unique sense of humor, honesty, fairness, kindness, and genuine care for others. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He found joy in world travel and exploring the Pacific Northwest through fishing trips and road adventures. Carl also never met a stranger and enjoyed engaging with people everywhere he went.

Carl will be missed by his family, friends, and the countless lives he impacted and touched with his generosity. Learning of Carl’s death it was often said “My life was made better for having known Carl.”

He is survived by his wife, Leanna Long; daughter Cynthia Teitge Jeske (Phil); son Scott Teitge; stepdaughters Melanie Hanford Winskill; Lana (Marc Hewitt) Hanford; Alison Hanford; grandchildren Sophia, Owen, and Drew. Preceded in death by his parents Jack and Irene Teitge and sister Karen Bennett.

A memorial service for Carl will be held at a later date.