04/30/2026
Four days ago one of our beloved balloon pilots took his last flight. Mike Teis suffered a catastrophic stroke and was unable to recover. He showed his generosity in the ultimate way, taking an Honor Walk to the operating rooms where transplant teams were waiting to harvest his organs. Even in his passing, he was generous beyond words, as he was in life. This is the text for his obituary. A link to it is also included if you wish to respond in some way.
Michael "Mike" Teis Obituary
Michael “Mike” David Teis, age 51, a ten-year resident of Candler, NC, passed away on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC.
Mike was born in Stark County, Ohio, on December 13, 1974, to David Kenneth Teis and Jane Ann Kail Teis of Mesa, Arizona. He attended Canton South High School and later continued his education at Stark State Technical College, where he earned an associate degree in engineering. Mike worked in engineering at Eaton Corporation.
Mike had a passion for adventure and connection. For eight years, he was a hot air balloon pilot—a role that was far more than a hobby; it was his pride and joy. Mike found true happiness in the skies, sharing breathtaking views and unforgettable moments with others. He had a special gift for turning a simple flight into a lifelong memory, and nothing meant more to him than seeing the excitement and wonder on the faces of those he carried above the world. Through his calm spirit and love for the experience, he made every passenger feel safe, inspired, and part of something magical. It is this passion for making dreams come true that he will be most remembered for. In addition to his time in the air, Mike worked as a travel agent, continuing his love for helping others explore and experience the world. A devoted sports fan, he remained true to his Ohio roots, enthusiastically supporting the Ohio State Buckeyes, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Guardians, and Cleveland Cavaliers. He attended Biltmore Church in Asheville, NC.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Paul and Irene Kail, and his paternal grandparents, Melvin and Betty Teis.
In addition to his parents, those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of eight years, Kristine Jones Teis of the home; his daughters, Lesley Arrant and husband Caleb of Gastonia, NC, Sarah Towe and husband Tristan of Leicester, NC, and Abby Lance and husband Calvin of Candler, NC; his grandchildren, Vivien Arrant, Sara Arrant, and Lucas Arrant, all of Gastonia, NC, and William Towe of Leicester, NC; and his sister, Michelle Teis and her partner, Jimmy Haas, of Laurelville, OH.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Penland Family Funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Teis family at this time
https://www.penlandfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituary/MichaelMike-Teis?fbclid=IwY2xjawRfkSdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFva3pNTzJPS3N6MXRNMHl5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHuXSHEEn3mUw0kFXDvBkyNcIRUI9D3-7ehOP082llcTZiKba4lRt9G9UmKUU_aem_J8fFcjpwlxdDR75Tl2f2Og
