LaVern Tesch

Tesch, LaVern W. "Mickey" MADISON LaVern William "Mickey" Tesch, age 81, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, from esophageal cancer at St. Marys Hospital. He was born on Jan. 19, 1926, in Ridgeway the son of Otto and Nellie (Hand) Tesch. LaVern married Mary Eileen Finley on Feb. 10, 1951 in Mineral Point. They celebrated 50 years of marriage before Mary passed away in 2001. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Vern worked at Gisholt in Madison and Gilman Engineering in Janesville before retiring in 1987. He experienced global travel during his career. One of the highlights of his career was working on the USS Carl Vinson Aircraft Carrier. Vern also worked at Leskes Supper Club for 22 years. He was an avid Badger and Packer fan. He loved to play cards. In earlier years, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and enjoyed the daily challenge. He was sharp as a tack until the end. Vern belonged to the Old Timers Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 7591, American Legion, ESBMA, and the Elks Club. Vern was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart Of Mary Catholic Church. In recent years, Verns life was enriched by his loving companion Louise Fritz. Vern was a loyal and caring father and grandfather, and very proud of his family. He is survived by five children, Ellen (Rick) Voelz and their son, Evan, Susan (Thomas) Jarona and their sons, Alexander, and Benjamin, Janet (Jim) Belligan, Kim Pressentin and her children, Lauren and Kevin Currie and Emily Pressentin, and Jerry (Kristina) Tesch and their sons, Kyle Tesch and Jacob Kastner; and brothers-in-law, Bill, Jack, and Paul Finley; and Donald and David Wilhelmson and their families. Vern was preceded in death by his wife; his parents; brother, Gerald; and brother-in-law, Bob Finley. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5101 Schofield St., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008, with Father Meinholz presiding. Burial will be at Highland Memory Gardens. A visitation will be held at the GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Monona, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 8, with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Louise for her excellent care during Verns recent cancer treatment. In addition, we would like to thank the medical staff at Dean Medical Center, Dr. Musa, the staff at Turville Bay, and St. Marys Hospital.