Orla Mae (Matthews) Tesch, 89, of Frederic, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Jan. 7, 2025.
She was born Sept. 2, 1935 to Clarence and Ora (Sunderman) Matthews. She graduated in 1953 from Watertown High School in Watertown, South Dakota.
She married Richard Tesch on March 23,1957, in Watertown. Richard was in the Air Force so they lived in a lot of interesting places.
To this union two children were born, a son, Steven Richard in 1959, and in 1961, while they were stationed in Germany, they had their daughter, Vicky Lynn.
Orla was always involved in the churches they attended. She even learned sign language so she could sign during services for the deaf. She played piano, organ, sang in the choir and taught Sunday school classes. Later in life she and Dick led Bible study groups.
Orla was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Ora; brothers, David and Donald; sister-in-law, Betty Strait and Betty’s husband, John Strait. Son-in-law, Lewis Warren; and great-grandson, Francis Pete Jr.
Orla will be greatly missed by her son, Steven (Brenda) Tesch, of Frederic; daughter, Vicky (Wade) Mears, of Zambia, Africa; seven grandchildren, Francis (Debbi) Christensen, Cassie Pete, Orianna (Mitch) Bowe and Michael (Leah) Tesch; seven great-grandchildren, Mikell, Blake and Staysha Christensen, Griffin, Elias and Ariella Bowe and Levi Tesch; great-great-grandchild William Christensen; sisters-in-law, Geri Matthews, Gerry (Duane) Strait and Shirley (Gordon) Nusz; also by many nieces and nephews and friends especially her dear friend, Rae Lynn.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, Jan. 18, at Crosswalk Community Church (505 Old County Road W, Frederic, Wisconsin.) with a 10 a.m. visitation, 11 a.m. funeral service and lunch to follow at the church.
In May she will be buried alongside Richard at the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Thank you to Traditions of Frederic and St.Croix Health for the great care you gave Orla.
Thank you to all of the friends and family for all of your thoughts, prayers and support. You are all much appreciated by the family.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the Rowe Funeral Home in Frederic, 715-327-4475, and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown.
