Phyllis Darlene (Raschke) Tesch

Phyllis Darlene Tesch was called to her heavenly home on April 17, 2024, at Meadow Place Assisted Living in Long Prairie at the age of 92 years. Visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 PM on Sunday, April 21, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie. A Funeral will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, April 22, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.

Phyllis was born in Round Prairie Township to William and Mary (Hinman) Raschke on October 10, 1931.  She was baptized on November 8, 1931, and confirmed in her faith at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle, Minnesota on May 20, 1945.  She attended country school for 8 years, Long Prairie High School, and St. Cloud Teacher’s College for 2 years.  Following graduation, she received her elementary teaching degree and taught second grade in New York Mills, Minnesota for two years. 

On June 6, 1953, Phyllis was united in marriage to Wilbur Tesch of Long Prairie at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Grey Eagle.  In the spring of 1954, they purchased a farm outside of Long Prairie.  Together they dairy farmed for 36 years.  Phyllis continued teaching elementary school in the Long Prairie School system and at Trinity Lutheran School for several years.  She did some substitute teaching as well. 

Phyllis was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Long Prairie being an active member of the Ladies groups over the years – Dorcas Circle and Ladies Circle; teaching Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Release-time classes for many years.  Besides being involved at church, she loved raising her family of three girls and working on the family farm. Phyllis loved gardening, especially her flowers, sewing, and quilting, making many quilts for her children and grandchildren. 

After retiring from farming, they built a retirement home a mile from the family farm where they spent the rest of their lives together. Phyllis loved spending time with her family and friends.  One of her greatest joys was watching her eight grandchildren grow up and raise families of their own.  What a joy for her to see those great-grandchildren when they came to visit.

In January of 2022, Phyllis moved into Meadow Place Assisted Living.  She enjoyed her new friends at the facility and partaking in all the activities like Bingo and playing cards.  She loved being with people and visiting with them.  She will be dearly missed by all who knew her. 

Phyllis is survived by her daughters, Mary (Mark) Collins, LuAnn (Dennis) Zigan, Jane Zirbes (Hermie Imdieke; eight grandchildren, Nicole (Ryan) Ager, Tim (Geri) Zigan, Derek (Amanda) Zigan, Rachel (Frankline) Onsinyo, Alana Collins, Nathan (Kimberly) Zigan, Jesse Zirbes, & Jenna (Luke) Hatton; fifteen great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Karen Tesch; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Mary Raschke; husband of 65 years, Wilbur Tesch; sister, Joan Faust; brother, William Raschke Jr.; Sister-in-laws, Shirley Sarazin, and Linda Raschke; brother-in-laws, Harlan Faust, Kenneth Tesch, and Donald Sarazin; niece, Jennifer Tesch.

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