In Memoriam — Charles Tesch
Charles John Tesch of Oakland, IA, formerly of Watertown, SD, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the age of 39, at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE.
Charlie was born July 6, 1985, in Aberdeen, SD, to Joe Tesch and Jackie (Heider) Smalley. He attended Watertown High School in Watertown, SD, graduating in 2004. He then attended Lake Area Technical College, where he earned a degree in Ag Business. Charlie worked as a seed salesman at Miller Hybrids in Kalona, IA, as well as a sale and show representative for the Heartland Limousin Association.
Growing up, Charlie enjoyed spending his summers on the family farm near Estelline, SD. Through his grandpa, Kenny, and family, he was introduced to the registered Angus breed. This is where his passion for cattle began at a young age. With the influence of his grandpa, Kenny, and grandpa, Terry, Charlie learned about every aspect of the industry. He joined in on the Tesch family tradition of showing cattle and, with his drive and competitive spirit, took it to the next level. Charlie was an active member of 4-H, FFA and the South Dakota Junior Angus Association where he competed at cattle shows from county to national levels.
With his brother, Nick, he lived his dream and achieved many goals including multiple Supreme Champion wins at the Watertown Winter Farm Show, the 2012 National Champion Chi-Angus Bull in Louisville, KY, the 2014 Reserve Pen of Three Chi-Angus Bulls and the 2015 Grand Champion Pen of Three Chi-Angus Bulls at the National Western Stock Show. Through the livestock industry, Charlie was blessed to travel to many new places and make many lifelong friends. He had a strong desire to share his knowledge with others, often helping the next generation of livestock enthusiasts get their start in the industry.
Charlie shared a special brotherly bond with Nick, who was his best friend and the two always knew how to make each other laugh the most. Nick is even credited with giving him the beloved nickname ‘Pork’ when they were kids, and it stuck with him for the rest of his life.
On August 17, 2018, Charlie’s greatest pride and joy, Paisley, was born. There was nothing more Charlie loved than being with his daughter. As long as Paisley was by his side, he had the world. He started passing down his love for livestock to her and the two spent countless hours in the barn working on show cattle. From daddy-daughter dances to pool dates in their backyard, they made everlasting memories in their time together. Whether it was riding horses or dance, he was her number-one fan in everything she did. And, it didn’t matter how tough he tried to come off, his little girl could always talk him into getting ice cream after school.
From going to concerts to making memories on the river, Charlie loved a good time. He was loyal to those he loved and he always made sure to be there for those special moments. He was a big kid at heart and his laugh and sense of humor were contagious. Countless people will miss their daily dose of updates from the Snapchat ‘King’.
Charlie will be remembered for his signature smirk, joy for life and being an amazing dad to Paisley. In the famous words (and spelling) of Charlie, “just keep ranchen’”.
Grateful for having shared their lives with Charlie are Ashley Mason and their daughter, Paisley Tesch, of Oakland, IA; his parents, Jackie (Kevin) Smalley of Mina, SD, and Joe (Marlys) Tesch of Watertown, SD; his brother, Nick (Erin) Tesch of Brookings, SD; nieces, Briley, Jaycee and Macey; his grandmother, Lila Smalley; his aunts and uncles, Jim Tesch, Russ (Cheryl) Tesch and their daughter, Kennedy Tesch, Roger (Shannon) Tesch, Kathy Tesch and Connie (Dan) Hofer; and a host of other relatives and good friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Kenneth and Bernadine ‘Bunny’ Tesch and grandparents Charles ‘Terry’ and Margaret Heider.