Karen Ann Tesch

Karen Ann (Betts) Tesch, age 80, of Osage, Iowa, passed away on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Apple Valley Place of Osage. Karen was born on September 5, 1945, to Ervin “Bud” Betts and Hazel (Weaverling) Betts, in Osage, Iowa. She grew up on a farm in rural Osage, Iowa and graduated from Nora Springs High School. She went on to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant at the Osage Nursing Home where she met the love of her life, Dennis Tesch. They were wed on August 31, 1968, at Rock Creek Lutheran Church and later welcomed two children. Together they owned and operated Tesch’s Sundries. They were active members of Our Saviors Lutheran Church. Karen loved being outside and doing yardwork and watching her bird feeders. While indoors, she kept herself busy with baking, reading, spending time with animals and crocheting. She has shared her talents and blessed many family members with blankets that she made. Most of all, she loved her family and spending time with them, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Karen is survived by her husband of 57 years, Dennis Tesch; children, Richard (Kellie) Tesch and Christine Tesch (Mike Mingus); grandchildren, Jake (Amber), Abbie, Taylor, and Dylan (Briana); great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Alayna, Cayson, Ember, Cohen, and Oakley; sister, Sandra (Jerry) Herrick; niece, Staci Herrick; and nephew, Jason (Becky) Herrick. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin “Bud” Butts and Hazel (Weaverling) Betts.

Family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Apple Valley Place Osage and St. Croix Hospice for the exceptional care that they provided to Karen.

In Lieu of flowers, family would prefer memorials to St. Croix Hospice.

A graveside service for Karen will take place at a later date, at Osage City Cemetery. Hoff Celebrations - Champion Chapel of Osage is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.hoffcelebrations.com.