Kenneth R. Tesch, age 88, of Merrill, passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018, at Pine Crest Nursing Home, Merrill.
Ken was born October 17, 1929, in Merrill, son of the late Louis and Anna (Marnholz) Tesch. He married Betty Zuehlsdorf on August 21, 1965. She preceded him in death on October 22, 2013. Ken had been a heavy equipment operator with the Operating Engineers Local 139. Ken was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill, and the church’s Men’s Club. Ken, along with Betty, enjoyed traveling, and had visited both Israel and China. Ken also enjoyed restoring gas engines and antique tractors, and creating stained glass artwork. In his younger years, Ken competed in rifle competitions. He would become one of the charter members of the Lincoln County Gun Club. As an adolescent, Ken decided it was more important to forego his high school education and help his parents on the family farm. Ken served honorably in the Korean War with the U.S. Army.
Ken is survived by his two children, daughter, Sara (Tim) Grund, Merrill, and son, Peter (Dee) Tesch, Sun Prairie; seven grandchildren, Alex Perez, Skyler Tesch, Elijah Tesch, Estrella (Zechariah) Schleef, Mindy, Bob, and Codey Breunig; six great grandchildren; and one sister, Lois Clausen, Eau Claire. Besides his parents and wife, Ken is preceded in death by a sister, Audrey Bauman.
The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM Monday, October 15, 2018, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. The Rev. Scott Gustafson will officiate. Military rites will be conducted by the Merrill V.F.W. Post 1638 Honor Guard immediately following the funeral. Burial of Ken’s cremated remains will take place at a later date in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Town of Scott. Visitation will be from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM Sunday at the Taylor-Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, and after 9:30 AM Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers the Tesch Family has requested that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Merrill. Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com.
THE TAYLOR-STINE FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, MERRILL, IS ASSISTING THE FAMILY.