Betty J. Tesch, age 71, of Merrill, went to her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2013, at the Hospice House in Wausau, under the care of her family and Comfort Care and Hospice Services.
Betty was born June 26, 1942, in Green Bay, daughter of Hazel (Toellner) Zuehlsdorf and the late Herbert Zuehlsdorf. She married Kenneth R. Tesch on Aug. 21, 1965. He survives.
Betty had been a music teacher in parochial and public schools throughout Wausau, Merrill, and Minocqua. She also gave private music lessons. In 1977, Betty received her Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Betty played the organ in many of the local churches. She was a member of the former Sweet Adeline’s in Merrill, was a member of “Pro-Musica,” and was a member of both the Wausau Chamber Choir and Wausau Messiah. Betty was a former 4-H leader. Many years ago Betty was a member of the Merrill Marching Band. She enjoyed genealogy, traveling throughout the United States and the world, and wintering in Texas.
Survivors include her husband Kenneth R. Tesch, Merrill; her mother, Hazel Zuehlsdorf, Bonduel; one daughter, Sara Breunig, Merrill; one son, Peter (and wife, Dee) Tesch, Sun Prairie; seven grandchildren; three great grandchildren; one sister, Lynn (husband, Wilbur) Zuehlsdorf-Mack, Jackson, WI; and two brothers, Robert (wife, Diane) Zuehlsdorf, Appleton, and John (wife, Kathy) Zuehlsdorf, Oshkosh.
The funeral service was held Monday, Oct. 28, 2013, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. R. Brian Stolarczyk officiated. Burial will take place at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Town of Scott.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church and School music programs.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.