Napoleon, OH – Richard L. Teets Jr., 62, of Toledo, Ohio, passed away on Oct. 2, 2026, after a hard-fought and courageous battle with cancer.
Born July 17, 1964, Richard was a 1982 graduate of Maumee High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. His athletic career continued at the University of Wisconsin, where he was a starting defensive tackle for the Badgers. During his senior year in 1986, Richard received the Jay Seiler Coaches’ Appreciation Award, an honor recognizing a defensive player for his improvement, attitude, contributions to the team’s success, and willingness to help the football program in all areas. Following college, Richard was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His accomplishments on the football field remained a source of pride throughout his life.
Richard spent his career working in his family’s lighting business. Outside of his career, one of Richard’s greatest interests was harness racing and the horse business. He had a true passion for horses and relationships that came from his involvement in the sport.
Richard was preceded in death by his father, Richard L. Teets Sr. He is survived by his mother, Sandra; his sisters, Brooke and Paige; his brother, Christopher; his son, Jacob; granddaughter, Luna; his niece, Alexandria; his nephews, David and Nicholas; and his great-niece, Avery.
Richard will be remembered for the life he lived, the experiences he shared, and the many memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
Private family graveside services will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery, Napoleon, Ohio.
Walker-Hoening Mortuary, Napoleon, Ohio, has been entrusted with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Richard’s memory to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation.