Richard Tesch

Richard William Tesch, 77 died unexpectedly on January 30, 2010 at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS while he and his wife were spending the winter at his daughter's home in Florence, MS.\ \ Richard was born on January 28, 1933 and raised on his grandfather's farm in Bemis, SD. He was the son of William and Sadie (Stocker) Tesch. Always surrounded by family, he was educated in country schools and attended Watertown High School.\ \ In September 1950 he joined the US Air Force. He was trained in Biloxi,MS and first served in the Korean Conflict, later serving in Vietnam War, in Europe and Asia as well as in the US.\ \ He married Orla Matthews on March 23, 1957 in Watertown, SD. They had two children: Steven Richard and Vicky Lynn.\ \ Dick retired in 1970 after 20 years service to his country and attained the rank of Master Sergeant. After retirement from the military, he worked as a hardware store co-owner, owned a construction company, worked for a solar energy company, and for a retail salvage company. \ \ He and Orla retired to Frederic, WI to be near their son, Dr. Steven Tesch. Wherever they lived, Dick was an active Christian witness and member of Christian congregations. He loved his wife and family and was loved by them in return.\ \ Dick loved the outdoors-taught to hunt and fish by his father which lasted for a lifetime. He loved to play softball and football.\ \ He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Sadie Tesch; brother, Robert Tesch, sister, Betty Tesch Strait and a great grandson, Francis Richard.\ \ He is survived by his wife, Orla Matthews Tesch of Frederic, WI; son: Dr. Steven Richard Tesch and wife, Brenda of Frederic, WI; daughter, Vicky Lynn Warren and husband Lewis of Florence, MS, Brothers-in-law: John Strait of Watertown, SD and David Matthews and wife Gerry of St. Paul, MN; sisters: Gerry Strait and husband Duane of Webster City, IA, and Shirley Nusz and husband Gordon of Flower Mound, TX; 4 grandchildren: Frankie (Debbi), Cassie, Orianna and Michael and 3 great grandchildren: Mikell, Blake and Staysha.\ \ Memorial services were held in Florence, MS at First Baptist Church, Florence, MS on February 2, 2010 at 2 p.m.and another will be held on Saturday, February 20, 2010 at 2 p.m. at Evangelical Free Church, Frederic, WI. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery, St. Paul, MN.\ \ \