Kenneth Tesch

Kenneth was my teacher and coach in Junior high school. I had a unique relationship as I was football and track equipment manager. I was privy to the adult world in the coach's office and was trusted to keep things confidential...an honor for any kid. Ken shared stories growing up in Minnesota. He said, "If you can keep your head warm, it will keep the rest of the body warm." Why this remains in my memory I don't know. He treated me with respect. Later, when I became a high school...

Came across the sad news of the passing of Ken Tesch, my junior high social studies teacher, during my years at McLaughlin Junior High, Pasco, from (1972-1975). Tesch and I hit it off because I loved history and would engage with him in the 9th grade while the rest of the class was uninterested (and sleepy, coming after lunch). In 1978 when I ran for the state House of Representatives and was door knocking asking for vote, who should answer one door was Tesch. He was as surprised as I sure...

I will long remember Ken as instrumental in my career choice and success. Ken was my social studies teacher and track and football coach. In junior high, I was a manager of Ken's boy's track team. An upper classman had tumbled onto the cinder track and badly tore up his shoulder. Ken asked me to take him to the locker room and tend to his wounds. I stood in the shower with the athlete and cleaned his wounds of the imbedded cinder, blood and all. Several days later, the athlete was...

I knew Ken through his association Luther Senior Center. He was on the Board of Directors, as am I. Ken always had the tenants' interests as a priority. Whatever we could do to make their quality of life better he avidly supported. He provided wonderful loving care to Stephanie and and I am sure they are celebrating their new life together.

Mr. Tesch was one of the first adults to validate my existence. As a football coach at McLoughlin Junior High, he was the kind of person that empowered me to be a better person and a better teacher. He was a mentor that I borrowed from when my calling was to teach also. I was lucky having Ken, and many others, that influenced my life in a profound way. I called him ten years ago to tell him this. I'm sure many people who's lives he touched feel the same. Rest in Peace my dear friend.

Sending my deepest condolences. he was loved by so many. Stay strong. Sending my blessings