https://boxcast.tv/view/kenneth-tesch-funeral-service-w2ccnpg5l3f36zgfls4l

Kenneth Lee Tesch passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at the age of 88, at StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living in Watertown, SD, formerly of Estelline, SD. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, January 4, 2025, at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in Estelline. Visitation will be held the night prior from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 3, 2025, at St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church.

Kenny was born at home on March 23, 1936, on the farm in rural Bemis, SD, to Charles and Mary (Gebhart) Tesch. He was baptized and confirmed in St. Peter Lutheran Church in Goodwin, SD. He attended country school at Hanten #12 near Bemis up until the eighth grade when he graduated at the top of his class (he was the only student in his grade). Kenny then joined his father, Charlie, and his brother, Dennis, to begin his lifelong career of farming.

He met the love of his life, Bernadine 'Bunny' (Perry) Tesch, and won her heart while the two were enjoying one of his favorite pastimes as a young man: roller skating. They were united in marriage on September 19, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Watertown. The couple began raising their family near Castlewood before moving to their farm near Estelline. On Good Friday in 1984, Kenny surprised Bunny by joining her in the Catholic faith, and he remained a member of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church until his death.

Kenny spent nine years serving in the Army National Guard and was a member of the Estelline American Legion. He enjoyed giving back to his community through many clubs and organizations and loved driving his tractor through community parades. His greatest passion in life was caring for land and livestock and he was a proud member of the National Farmers Organization, where he made many good friends and attended meetings across the state and country. He enjoyed passing down his love for agriculture to the next generation and served as a 4-H club leader for several years. Growing up, he enjoyed showing cattle and later enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren at many cattle shows, especially the South Dakota State Fair, which he made sure to attend each year until his last, to catch up with his 'fair family.' He was a member of the American Angus Association and was honored as the South Dakota Angus Breeder of the Year in 2018.

Kenny loved visiting with family and friends, hosting many get-togethers and card parties over the years on the farm. He and Bunny also welcomed many into their home as foster parents and foreign exchange student hosts. Kenny had a deep appreciation for nature and was an avid fisherman and hunter. But there was nothing that brought Kenny more joy than sharing a dance with his wife; the two could often be found at square dance club or other dances in the area.

Kenny will be remembered for his sense of humor, farming expertise, his passion for caring for animals and livestock, and love for getting family and friends together to celebrate.

Grateful for having shared their lives with Kenny are his sons Jim Tesch of Watertown, Joe (Marlys) Tesch of Watertown, Russell (Cheryl) Tesch of Estelline, Roger (Shannon) Tesch of Watertown; daughter Kathy Tesch of Watertown; grandchildren Charlie (Ashley) Tesch, Nick (Erin) Tesch, and Kennedy Tesch; great-grandchildren Paisley, Briley, Jaycee, Macey; sisters Dorothy Evjen Barck, Marjorie Tesch, Dianne Adams; brother Carl Tesch; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and good friends.

Having gone before him are his wife, Bunny; his parents, Charlie and Mary; infant brother, Charles; brother Dennis Tesch; sisters Carol Karterud, Mary Vanpoucke; and many other relatives and loved ones.

The family would like to thank the staff at StoneyBrook Suites Assisted Living in Watertown for the care they provided Kenny in the last year of his life. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital in memory of Kenny.