Michael G. Desch

Michael G. Desch, 46, lifetime resident of Topeka, died Monday, March 8, 2004, at his home in Tecumseh. Michael was born Feb. 4, 1958, to Jerome Desch and Marion Pfannenstiel Desch in Topeka. He graduated from Shawnee Heights High School and attended Kaw Valley Area Vocational School. He married Debbie Doherty on April 26, 1986. He worked as a fleet services mechanic for the Topeka Police Department. He also was involved in drag racing at Heartland Park Topeka. He was a member of the Catholic faith. Michael is survived by his mother, Marion Desch; his wife, Debbie, of Tecumseh; three sisters, Geralyn A. Frederick, of Topeka, Nancy Ann Shrewsbury, of Auburn, and Diane G. Staab, of Basehor; three brothers, Gary L. Desch, of Meriden, Steven G. Desch, of Kansas City, Kan., and Daniel G. Desch, of Tecumseh; and 15 nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Jerome Desch; and a sister, Geri Ann Wardein. Mr. Desch will lie in state after 2 p.m. today at Brennan-Ma thena Funeral Home, where a parish rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. The casket will remain closed. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Friday at the funeral home. The Rev. George Bertels will preside. Interment will follow in The Cemetery Emmanuel, 53rd and Ratner Road, Tecumseh. Memorial contributions may be made to Helping Hands Humane Society, 2625 N.W. Rochester Road, Topeka, 66617.