John E. Tesch, 88, of New Richland, MN, died Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at Hillcrest Health Care Center, Mankato, MN. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 13, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at First Lutheran Church, Waldorf, MN, Pastor Michael Mathews officiating. Burial will be at First Lutheran Cemetery in Waldorf, MN. Visitation will be held at the Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells on Thursday, January 12, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. and one hour before services at the church on Friday. Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells is in charge of the arrangements.
John was born July 17, 1923 at the farmstead of Alfred and Elisabeth (Kain) Tesch in rural New Richland. He married Elaine Heitner on June 10, 1945 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, North Mankato, MN; the service was performed by Elaine’s brother, the Rev. Donald Heitner. John and Elaine purchased and farmed the family farm which became a “Century Farm” in 2007. John enjoyed his church activities where he held various offices. He enjoyed his sports and later enjoyed playing with the “Beltones.” He loved visiting and helping his family and friends, playing cards, fishing, hunting and traveling to be with his family and friends.
John is survived by his wife, Elaine (Heitner) Tesch of New Richland, MN; children: “Geri” Gurene (Larry) Putz of Brooten, MN; Joan (Jim) Lewer of Omaha, NE; “Stan” Stanley (Donna) Tesch of Plainview, MN; and “BJ” Beverly Tesch of Mankato, MN; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Elizabeth Tesch; infant brother, Alvin; infant sister, Bertha; brother, Carl; sisters, Sophia Hedberg and Pearl Mauer; and also an infant great-granddaughter, Julia Lewer.
Thank you and God bless all the caregivers and staff at Hillcrest Healthcare Center.