Shirley J. Tesch

Germantown, Iowa

Shirley J. Tesch, 91, of Germantown passed away on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at her residence. Her funeral service will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Germantown with Rev. Carl Stenzel, officiating.

A private family burial will be at a later date at St. John Lutheran Cemetery in Germantown.

Visitation with family present will be from 5 to 7 P.M. on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Germantown.

Arrangements are under the care of the Eldridge Family Funeral Home in Paullina.

IN LOVING MEMORY

SHIRLEY J. TESCH

BORN

December 15, 1934

rural Germantown, Iowa

PASSED AWAY

March 17, 2026

Germantown, Iowa

FUNERAL SERVICE

10:30 A.M. Wednesday, March 25, 2026

St. John Lutheran Church; Germantown, Iowa

Rev. Carl Stenzel - Officiating

MUSIC

“Jealous of the Angels” Sung by: Jenn Traver

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS

“Softly & Tenderly” 

“In The Garden”

“Amazing Grace”

Organist: MaryAnn Mori

HONORARY CASKET BEARERS

Tera Oldenkamp 

Kati Traver

Brieanne Tesch 

Ashely Hattermann

Jill Ten Napel 

Jennifer Reed

 Dawn Massmann

CASKET BEARERS

Chris Traver 

Tim Traver 

Mike Hansen

Jason Koenig 

Zach Hattermann 

Lance Massmann

FINAL RESTING PLACE

At a later date

St. John Lutheran Cemetery

Germantown, Iowa

After today’s service, relatives and friends are invited to join the family in the fellowship hall of the church.

Arrangements are under the care of the

Eldridge Family Funeral Home; Paullina, Iowa.

Shirley Jean Tesch, beloved mother, grandmother, and servant of the Lord, passed away peacefully at the age of 91.

Shirley was born on December 15, 1934, to Fred and Gertrude (Meyer) Koehlmoos. She was raised on the family farm in Germantown, Iowa, where she learned the values of hard work and devotion to family. She graduated from Paullina High School.

On June 19, 1953, Shirley was united in marriage to James Tesch. Together, they built a life rooted in faith, love, and family, and were blessed with five children: Lori, Cindy, Dave, Dan, and Judy. Shirley devoted herself to raising her children at home, creating a warm and loving environment. She later spent many years working at K-Products, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic.

Shirley was a live-long member of St. John Lutheran Church. Shirley will forever be remembered for her faithful and giving heart. She lovingly quilted countless blankets for children overseas, often inviting her children and grandchildren to join in the stitching – passing down not only a skill, but a spirit of generosity. She cherished time spent in Bible studies, card clubs, domino games, Ladies Aid, and church activities. Her life reflected her deep faith, and she truly lived as a servant of the Lord.

She is survived by her five children: Lori (Duane) Hansen of Granville, Iowa, Cindy Traver of LeMars, Iowa, Dave (Jo) Tesch of Paullina, Iowa, Dan (Wally) Tesch of Green River, Wyoming, and Judy (Jim) Hattermann of Germantown, Iowa; 12 grandchildren; 27 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great grandchildren; brothers, Rich (Barb) Koehlmoos, Robert (Betty) Koehlmoos; sister, Pat Caster; brother-in-law, Bob (Peg) Tesch; sisters-in-law, Joanne Reimers, Jolene Tesch, and Carolyn Chase.

She was preceded in death by her husband, James in 2012; sisters, Marlene, Mildred, and Phyllis; brothers, Frank and Verdis; brothers-in-law, Rollie, Jim M., Jim C., Robert, Dick, and Don; sisters-in-law, Shirley and Ida.

Shirley’s life was marked by a deep commitment to her family, a strong work ethic, and a joyful spirit. She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and acceptance. She will be dearly missed and forever treasured in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Jesus took her hand and said, well done good and faithful servant.

Until we see you again…