Ernie G. Tesch: June 26, 1930 – January 5, 2025

Ernie was born June 26, 1930, at home in Oak Harbor, Washington. His “Mom” and “Pop” were Clara and Gus Tesch, who emigrated from Germany. He had a sister Ruth and brother Willie. Ernie passed away in Coupeville, Washington on January 5, 2025.

Ernie was proud to say he lived his entire life on Whidbey Island. As soon as Ernie was able to get out and walk, he was put to work on the farm, even if it were just to carry a pail. Daily chores were working in the fields, tending to the chickens, and milking the cows, which he did before and after school from the age of six years old. He went to school in a one room log house for four years, with grades 1-8 together. For 5th-8th grade he went to Oak Harbor Elementary. By the time he was ten, he was driving a tractor, a car, and towing a trailer. His favorite subject in school was math. He graduated from high school in 1948. His first car was a 1936 Ford Coupe.

Ernie’s first paying job was driving a horse to pull hay to the mill for neighbors at ten cents per day. When he was in high school, he raised 150 chickens and made $500. He mixed mud and carried blocks for his father and learned to lay bricks by watching and grabbing tools to help. He learned about blueprints from a high school architectural drawing class. After high school, he built brick chimneys and fireplaces and many other buildings in town.

Ernie met Dorothy Johnson when he was building an outdoor fireplace on Scenic Heights. She was up from California to visit her aunt. Ernie and Dorothy were married in Los Angeles in 1951 and had three children: Roger, Barbara, and Shirley.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, his daughter Shirley Horne, wife Dorothy, and many dear friends. He is survived by his son Roger (Shannon) of Tonasket, his daughter Barbara (Robert) of Tacoma, four grandchildren: Katrina and Eric, Rob and Dan, and four great-grandchildren: Robbie and Sera, Wyatt and Ethan.

A memorial service and reception will be held on Saturday February 1, 2025, at 12 NOON at Wallin Stucky Funeral Home, 1811 NE 16th Ave, #A, Oak Harbor, Washington. Dress comfortable Interment Maple Leaf.

Ernie enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and hiking. He was a hard worker, provided for his family, and left us memories of days gone by. Despite his strong will to live, his body wore out. “But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength;They shall mount up with wings like eagles; They shall run and not be weary;They shall walk and not faint.“ (Isaiah 40:31)

The family wishes to thank Whidbey Memorial Funeral Home and Wallin Stucky Funeral Home for their assistance coordinating the cremation, service, and reception. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com.