Teresa A. "Teri" Wittkowski, 76, of Eldridge, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly on Monday December 8th, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of music, kindness and love that touched everyone that knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday December 20th, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge, Iowa , her spiritual home for more than five decades.  The service will be live-streamed on Faith Lutheran's Facebook page and can be accessed at www.faithlutheraneldridge.com. Visitation will be Friday December 19th from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, and again on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. until the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Faith Lutheran Church. Chambers Funeral Home of Eldridge is assisting the family.

Teri was born September 26th, 1949, in Manchester, Iowa, to William and Pauline Hughes. She grew up with a deep appreciation for music, a gift that blossomed early. At Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, she performed with the Des Moines High School Symphony Orchestra, playing the string bass. Her passion for music led her to Wartburg College, where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Music Education with emphasis in piano. It was there that she met the love of her life, William "Bill" Wittkowski, beginning a partnership that would span more than 50 beautiful years. They were married on December 18th , 1971.

Music was not just Teri's talent, it was her heartbeat. She mastered piano at a young age and began studying organ as a teenager. After graduating, she joyfully shared her love of music with generations of children, first at North Linn Elementary in Walker, Iowa and later at Hayes Elementary School in Davenport, Iowa. She introduced countless young people to the wonder of music and inspired many to discover their own talents.

Even after retiring from teaching, Teri's devotion to music never slowed. She became an integral part of the North Scott School System's theater and music programs, accompanying plays, concerts, competitions and the North School choir year after year. She was also active in Countryside Community Theater playing piano in the pit orchestra. Closest to her heart was her role as organist at Faith Lutheran Church, a ministry she faithfully fulfilled for 50 years.

Beyond her music, Teri was known for her fiery spirit, witty humor and her generosity. She and Bill traveled widely, creating cherished memories across the United States and throughout Europe. Their trips to Hawaii and Japan were two of their favorite adventures. At home, she found joy in her beloved cats, in good books and quality time with family and friends.

Those who shared in her life include her husband, Bill, her daughter Anne (Ryan Nelson) of De Witt, her son Paul (Erin) Wittkowski of Marion, and adored granddaughters, Lauren and Nora. She also leaves behind many dear friends, colleagues and former students.

Teri was preceded in death by her brother, Tom Hughes, and by her parents, Bill and Pauline.

Teri will be remembered not only for her remarkable musical talent, but for the love, encouragement and kindness she gave freely. Her music lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to hear it.