Boom

Brian Wilson

It is hard to imagine how loud a a piece of military artillery is until you hear it fire from a short distance away.

Several years ago, the National Guard brought their large artillery piece to a local Moving For A Cure cancer run/walk event and set it off to start the race. I was standing just a few yards away when it went off. The sound was felt as much as it was heard at that close range.

The person pulling the trigger on the big gun that day was Dean Tesch whose smile was as wide as the Medford Millpond. Of all the memories I have of him over the years, that is the one that came to mind when I learned that Tesch had passed away over the weekend.

Tesch was one of the rock-solid figures that you find in a community. He may not have been the person in the limelight at a cause or event, but it was a sure bet you would find him in the background somewhere.

The other memory that came up was of the picture I took of Tesch listening to organ music being played at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Medford. It is actually one of my favorite pictures I have taken while working at The Star News.

You can tell in looking at it, that Tesch was wrapped up in the message of the music. I am a believer that God shares his message in music, poetry and song as well as in scripture.

As much as it pains me to admit, the written word has limitations to its ability to tap into transcendence. Music, especially in the hands of a master musician, such as Tesch, easily goes beyond those limits and can bring the soul soaring and searching out God’s mysteries. Watching and listening to Tesch perform was always a joy and it was obvious he was passionate about music.

Tesch will long be remembered for his role and service to the community. His years as an elementary teacher and then his successful financial services business.

Most recently, Tesch has been a dynamic force leading Taylor Electric Cooperative through the transition to a new president. He has been involved with the move toward alternative energies both at the local level and also through his involvement with Dairyland Power and the National Rural Utilities Co-op Finance Corporation. Tesch’s leadership will be missed in those roles as well as the numerous others that he filled in the community.

It is impossible to be an active member of the community and not wear multiple hats. Tesch wore those hats with ease and earned the respect of those who worked with him over the years.

He will be missed, yet his passing should not only bring sadness, but also challenge. A challenge to those who have yet to take the plunge and gotten involved with their church, civic group or community.

Individuals such as Dean Tesch are remarkable for the level of commitment and the time, talents and treasures they give so freely to the community and those around them.

Each of us should take the example that Tesch gives and apply it to our own lives. Perhaps in our busy lives we too will answer the call and find the time to give back in some way.

The call to service is sometimes the crash boom of a giant gun, but it is just as likely to come in the ring of a bell or the laugh of a child. The important thing is to be ready and willing to answer that call.

Brian Wilson is News Editor at The Star News.