PINEDALE – For Wyomingites, the song of the meadowlark is a welcome sign of spring. It offers us hope for the future, and a renewed sense of optimism. Part of what makes this song so special is that the meadowlark, unlike most other birds, sings both while perched and in flight – as though the bird works overtime to spread hope and joy.   

The same could be said of Jill and Don Tegeler of Pinedale, who received the Spirit of the Meadowlark Award on June 22. This award is presented annually by the Sublette Local Board of the Wyoming Community Foundation (WYCF) and recognizes individuals in Sublette County who strive to make a difference in their area.

The 2022 award recognized the Tegelers, who moved to Sublette County in 1974, for their tireless work to build and inspire their community.

After Don and Jill bought the Allen Agency insurance and real estate office from Paul and Lillian Allen in Pinedale in 1974, Don decided he wanted another office in Big Piney to serve all of Sublette County. The Big Piney location was opened in 1976 and continues today along with the 12 other Wyoming locations that have been added since. Through Jill with Allen Agency and Don with Tegeler & Associates, Don and Jill were always community minded.

Jill has been active in 2-BETTER-U Homemakers, Pinedale Chamber of Commerce, Pinedale Council of Catholic Women, and Pinedale Food Basket Board (serving for 20 years) and continues to serve on the Food Basket Resource Committee. Jill volunteered her time weekly at the Retirement Center and for years took one or two ladies to church on Sunday with her family. Jill, with the help of Don and the coworkers at Allen Agency Real Estate, sponsored and ran the Rendezvous Ramble, donating any monies earned to a local charity.

Don worked with folks in Pinedale to establish tennis courts on school property and went on to help build the swimming pool. Don was quick to help with many of his friends’ projects, including delivering and moving stage props for the Pinedale Fine Arts Council under the direction of Jo Crandall.

When Pinedale built a track in the mid ‘80s, he was always volunteering at track meets and was roped into running the times for many years, even after his kids had graduated. In his retirement, he volunteered to sweep the bike paths in Pinedale and even bought benches for the walking paths so that people could rest while they were using these paths. Don passed away in May of 2021.

Don and Jill’s most recent community effort was a pet peeve of Don’s – he was always a little annoyed at the dusty, ugly lot on Pinedale’s Main Street that he felt could add value to the community. He consulted with Jill and, with the help of several community members and his granddaughters, turned the lot into a park and donated it to the Town of Pinedale for their use.

“We are thrilled to recognize Jill and Don’s countless contributions to our community and to the state,” said Tara Bolgiano, chair of the Sublette Local Board.

The Sublette Local Board is an affiliate of the Wyoming Community Foundation, which works to connect people across the state with causes that matter.

Through the support of donors, the local board has made over $1.2 million in grants since its inception in 2005, supporting over 50 local nonprofits. WYCF has granted over $100 million across all 23 Wyoming counties.

WYCF offers donors a variety of options for giving, providing expert guidance in fund creation and estate planning. WYCF also supports Wyoming nonprofits through grant making and organizational development, helping them build their professional capacity and establish their own endowments to ensure long-term security. This work would not be possible without the support of generous people like Jill and Don.

“The Wyoming Community Foundation believes in making Wyoming better by giving back,” says Roger McMannis, Marbleton resident and current member of the statewide WYCF board. “The Tegelers truly embody everything that the Wyoming Community Foundation stands for. They inspire each of us through their continued dedication to our Wyoming community.”

Just like the meadowlark, Jill will no doubt keep working hard to help Sublette County flourish, offering hope and inspiration to us all, while Don watches over her and the community he so loved.