Mary Ruth Tesch, age 88, of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on July 1, 2026, at Aspirus Riverview Hospital surrounded by her family.
She was born on March 2, 1938, in Merrill, Wisconsin, daughter of Oscar and Anna Margaret (Jensen) Larson. After graduation from Merrill High School, Mary began working for Church Mutual Insurance Company. She married Alvin Tesch on January 3, 1959; a union that lasted 39 years. Mary’s life was grounded in her faith and her daily prayers. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards, where she was active in LWML, serving as a past president. She volunteered for the Home Delivered Meals Program and at Edgewater Haven Nursing Home for many years. Her musical gift, as an accomplished pianist, allowed her to play music by ear, and left her family with wonderful memories of singing hymns around the piano. Activities she enjoyed were traveling, golfing, gardening, birdwatching, bowling, playing board games and cards, sudoku, jigsaw puzzles, and cooking delicious meals. Above all, she treasured her time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, filling their lives with warmth, laughter, love, and the best hugs. She will lovingly be remembered for her witty sense of humor, her kindness, and deep devotion to her family.
Mary is survived by her daughters, Cynthia (Brian) Storm of Irma, Rebecca (Jeffrey) Taylor of Port Edwards, and son William (Pamela) Tesch of Wisconsin Rapids; grandchildren, Heather Tobias of Tomahawk, Michael (Haley) Bellile of Rhinelander, Erin Taylor (Hillary Cheever) of McFarland, Eric (Stacy) Taylor, Wendy (Daniel) Henne, Grace Tesch and Truman Tesch, all of Wisconsin Rapids. Mary is further survived by 11 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends that held a special place in her heart. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, and siblings: Carol, Anna Mae, Oscar Jr., Margaret, Rosalie, Jean, Joseph, John, James; and grandson-in-law: Jessie.
A memorial service will be held at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids on Friday, July 10, 2026. Visitation from 9:30 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. A private, family graveside service will take place at a later date in Merrill Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church of Port Edwards in Mary’s memory.
The family thanks the staff at Hilltop Grand Village Assisted Living for the loving care they provided Mary; and also extends sincere gratitude to the compassionate staff at Aspirus Riverview Hospital who made a difficult time gentler. Herman-Taylor Funeral Home is honored to assist the family. “Though your hands are no longer here to hold, we will carry your love with us always.”
