Eileen Tesch

Eileen M. (Simon) Tesch, age 98, passed away on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at her home in Pardeeville, WI. Eileen was a long time Middleton, WI resident.  She was born at home on Hubbard Avenue in Middleton on February 11, 1927, to George and Margaret (Gorman) Simon.  

As a child, Eileen enjoyed sports and playing outdoors.  She was proud of her medals for winning races both running and ice skating. Eileen graduated from Middleton High School as part of the class of 1945.  Her hopes of going to New York to study fashion after high school were cut short with the death of her beloved brother, William "Sonny" Simon, who was killed in action in Europe during World War II.  With her brothers passing, Eileen stayed home to support her parents so began working at the Middleton Telephone company.  

On August 21, 1948 Eileen was married to Harvey Tesch.  They had three children, Coleen, Dennis and Mary Jo.  Colleen passed as an infant.  Once she had children, Eileen became a stay at home mom and doted on her two kids.  In 1971, Eileen and Harvey purchased Simon's Lanes bowling alley in Middleton from Eileen's mother, Margaret Simon.  They covered the four bowling alleys with flooring and renamed Simon's Lanes to The Village Green.  They operated The Village Green for years, before selling it.  

Eileen was very involved in The William "Sonny" Simon VFW Post 8216 in Middleton, which was named for her brother.  Eileen was the last charter member of the VFW Auxiliary for the Post.  She was active in the VFW Auxiliary and held each of the officer positions multiple times over the years.  She enjoyed volunteering yearly by selling carnival ride tickets at the Middleton Good Neighbor Festival, until she was 90 years old.  

Eileen was a member of St Bernard's Catholic Church in Middleton for nearly 90 years, and a member of St Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage for the last several years of her life.  She especially valued her time serving the church by taking Holy Communion to nursing home residents.  Her faith was the center of her life reading the bible daily and praying each morning with her Daily Missal.   

Always fashion conscience, Eileen enjoyed sewing, even making her own clothing that she wore until her passing. Eileen was an excellent cook, hosting countless holiday gatherings and even published a cookbook.  In her free time, she also enjoyed painting.  

Eileen is survived by her son Dennis (Valerie) Tesch, daughter Mary Jo (Kevin) Dresen, grandchildren; Brian Tesch, Laura Tesch, Carmen Tesch, and great grandchildren; Wolfgang Tesch and Matilda Tesch.  

Eileen is preceded in death by her parents; George and Margaret Simon, siblings; William "Sonny" Simon, and James Simon, daughter; Coleen, and former husband; Harvey Tesch

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 3, 2025, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, 2015 Parmenter St, Middleton, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM until the time of service at the church with Father Brad Grobbel officiating. Burial will be held at St. Bernard Cemetery, Middleton, WI. A Celebration of Eileen's Life will take place starting at 1:00 P.M. on Friday, October 3, 2025, at William "Sonny" Simon VFW Post 8216, 6710 Century Avenue Middleton, WI.

To view the obituary or leave a memory, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N Sherman Ave

608-249-8257