Malvin H. Teige

Malvin Helmer Teige was born March 27, 1891, in Marinette, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1916 and came to Stoughton as a teacher in the Stoughton public schools, beginning a connection with the community that would continue for the remainder of his long life.

Before the United States entered World War I, Malvin had already received military training through the Wisconsin National Guard. His 1917 draft registration recorded three years of prior service. He subsequently attended officers' training school at Fort Sheridan, Illinois, where he earned a commission in the U.S. Army.

During World War I, Malvin served as a Second Lieutenant. Contemporary newspaper accounts place him at Camp Grant, Illinois, and record that in 1918 he traveled to Camp Hancock, Georgia, on special duty before returning to his post at Camp Grant.

While home from military duty in October 1918, Malvin married Claudine Johnson, a Stoughton educator and supervisor of music in the city schools. The couple were married at the Park Hotel in Madison. Malvin's brother, Private Reinhart Teige, who was also serving at Camp Grant, attended him at the wedding. Following a brief stay in Madison, Malvin returned to military duty while Claudine resumed her work in the Stoughton schools.

After the war, Malvin returned to Stoughton. In 1921 he entered the oil business and became owner and operator of the Wisconsin Petroleum Company. He remained in the business for more than three decades, retiring in 1952, and eventually served as president of the State Petroleum Association.

Malvin also remained active in the American Legion. In June 1945, he was elected Commander of Otis Sampson Post 59, succeeding Lloyd B. Olson. Olson's administration continued until September 17, when Malvin assumed leadership of the Post.

His term came at another pivotal moment in Post 59 history. World War II was ending, servicemen were returning home, and the Post was working to complete its new Soldier Center. Contemporary newspaper coverage described the coming year as one of “constructive activity,” with particular emphasis on completing the center as a home for those who had worn the uniform or served in any war.

In that sense, Malvin's command continued the work begun during Lloyd Olson's administration. Lloyd had helped lead the acquisition and remodeling of the new Legion home; Malvin inherited the responsibility of helping bring that project toward completion as Post 59 prepared to welcome a new generation of veterans.

Malvin's community involvement extended well beyond the Legion. He served as president of the Stoughton School Board and was a longtime member of the Kegonsa Masonic Lodge. He was also a member of First Lutheran Church, the Stoughton Lions Club, Stoughton Country Club, and remained active with American Legion Post 59 throughout his life.

Malvin and Claudine were married for more than six decades. They raised two sons, Robert and Reinhart, and remained part of the Stoughton community throughout their lives.

Malvin H. Teige died July 29, 1981, at the age of 90. He was laid to rest at East Koshkonong Cemetery.

From teacher and World War I Army officer to businessman, school board president, and American Legion Commander, Malvin Teige spent more than six decades serving the community he chose to make his home. His tenure as Commander came as Post 59 transitioned from the World War II years into a new era, helping complete a veterans center intended to serve those returning from war as well as the generations who had served before them.