Celebrating the Life of David Tellschow

Oct. 18 2024 News By AHW LLC

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dave Tellschow, a beloved service technician at our Urbana location and a member of the AHW team for over three decades. Dave began his journey with Arends & Sons in Gibson City in 1987, and throughout his years with us, he touched the lives of many through his unwavering dedication, kindness, and work ethic.

Known for his relentless commitment to his work, Dave was often the first to arrive and the last to leave, always smiling and ready to lend a hand. His former store manager, John Tate, reflected, “No matter how long the day or how tough the job, Dave would approach it with a positive attitude and a willingness to help anyone in need.” It was clear that for Dave, this wasn’t just work—it was his passion. 

His former service manager, Todd Crowley, reflected on the deep friendship they built over the years. “Dave was like a brother to me,” Todd said. “He never judged me, despite my flaws. He cared deeply for my family and always checked in during difficult times. Dave was one of the hardest-working, most supportive people I’ve ever known, and his work ethic was unmatched.”

That same care and commitment extended beyond his coworkers. Dianne, Dave’s wife, expressed how overwhelmed she’s been by the outpouring of love from the community. She shared that when planning his celebration of life, she wanted to honor his devotion to his work and customers. “We can’t do it during harvest—Dave would have been upset if we pulled farmers away from their fields,” she said, a testament to his understanding of the people he served.

Dave’s journey with AHW took him through various stages of life and work, from his early days at the Streator dealership under Dan Bane, to the move that brought him closer to Dianne and eventually to Gibson City. The Bane family—Dan, Sally, and Jarrod—fondly remember the time they spent with Dave, even living with him for over a year. “We will always consider him our adopted son,” Dan shared. “Dave was always there to help, never asking for anything in return.” Dave’s passion for John Deere extended well beyond his work. He and his children spent countless hours together in the garage, building an intricate miniature farm replica that filled the space. His son recalls spending a lot of time there as a kid, playing with all the farm miniatures and bonding deeply with his dad. Dave’s love for John Deere was also reflected in his home, where his living room boasts an impressive collection of Deere memorabilia, showcasing his lifelong admiration for the brand and all it stood for.

Beyond the shop, Dave found joy in the simple things—like finally getting the chance to work with farm equipment he had spent so many years repairing. His close friend, Dave Leffler, reflected on their 30-plus-year friendship. “He’d come to my farm at 4 a.m., take care of the cattle, and then head to work at AHW,” Leffler said. “He’d even sleep in his truck sometimes, getting some rest before the day started. For years, he fixed everyone else’s equipment, and he loved finally getting to use it himself. He never complained, always asked to do more, and truly enjoyed every part of it.” 

Customers, too, felt the impact of Dave’s presence. Michael Hogan, a long-time customer, shared how Dave’s calm demeanor and expertise made a lasting impression. “Dave wasn’t just the best technician we’ve ever worked with—he was one of the best people we’ve known. No matter how tough the situation, his patience and kindness always put us at ease.”

As we reflect on Dave’s life, we are reminded of the qualities that define AHW: dedication, hard work, and a genuine care for others. Dave embodied these values, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire us all. His passing leaves a deep void, but his spirit will always be a part of AHW.

Dave’s life also reminds us how quickly time passes. He showed us the importance of working hard, loving our families, and taking pride in the life we build. Dianne takes comfort knowing that Dave passed doing what he loved—wrenching, helping others, and living life to the fullest.

A celebration of Dave’s life took place in the East service shop in Urbana, on Saturday, November 9th from 12-3pm. We invited his friends, family, customers, and coworkers to join us in honoring his memory and celebrating the impact he had on all of us.