Carl Dean Tesch Sr.
October 14, 1933 – August 25, 2025
Carl Dean Tesch Sr., age 91, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 25, 2025. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and was most proud of his family.
Carl was born in St. Ansgar, Iowa, to Elvin Tesch and Roseline Bartz. He graduated from Austin High School in 1952 and married Betty Abrahams in 1954. They shared 67 wonderful years of marriage.
Carl ran Cleveland Hardware in Austin Minnesota before starting a 40-year career in insurance and financial services in 1960. He earned his Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) designation and spent 30 years with John Hancock Financial, serving in management roles in both Lincoln and Ames, Iowa. After retirement, he dedicated much of his time to volunteer and community service, including work with Kiwanis, the Clinton Neighborhood Association, and Meals on Wheels. Together Carl and Betty loved traveling—whether to visit their children and grandchildren or to explore abroad. Their journeys included trips to Europe, England, and Poland, where they enjoyed tracing family history.
A long-time member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Carl’s strong faith was a guiding light throughout his life.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Betty; his sister, Sharolyn; and his brother, Robert. He is survived by his children, Deanna Gregg, Carl Tesch Jr., Julie (Jon) Hedges, and William (Cheryl) Tesch; he was also blessed with fourteen grandchildren: Cheryl Slivinski, Karen (Kevin) Derrick, Thomas Gregg, Daniel (Jessie) Gregg, Katherine (Jim) Porter, Philip (Jamie) Tesch, Nathan (Katherine) Tesch, Ellen Tesch, Douglas (Alexus) Tesch, Paul Hedges, Steven Hedges, Jenny Hedges, Derek (Laura) Tesch, and Dylan Tesch; and fourteen great-grandchildren; and brother, Stewart Wilson.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Historic Rudge Chapel (Wyuka Cemetery), 3600 O Street, Lincoln, NE 68510. Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, with a reception afterward at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 7979 Holdrege St, Lincoln, NE 68505.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Olive Lutheran Church.
He Is Gone, But Will Never Be Forgotten.
Carl was a great guy I met him at Mayors Roundtable and had good conversations. I know that he tirelessly represented his neighborhood which is often a thankless job but he did it anyway. He will be missed by many of us!
Lots of good memories of visits with Carl and Betty. Such a fun couple. Carl had the most remarkable memory. Blessings and Prayers to the family.
The Tesch’s were one of many families that made the Clinton neighborhood such a family friendly environment. I have so many fond memories working with Carl & Betty in events for Clinton School.
Sincere condolences to the
Tesch Family.
Blessings 💜