Jeffry “Jeff” John Tescher, age 67, of Bismarck passed away September 22, 2026 at a local hospital.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29, at Church of Saint Anne, 1321 Braman Ave, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00- 7:00 PM on Monday, September 28, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 3117 E Century Ave, Bismarck. A Vigil service will begin at 7:00 PM.

Burial will be held at St. Mary's Cemetery, Bismarck. Following the burial, the family would like to invite everyone to join for a time of fellowship and lunch at the Bismarck Eagles, 313 N 26th St., Bismarck. 

Jeff was born on March 6, 1959 in Dickinson, North Dakota, the eighth of twelve children, to Alvin and Elizabeth (Betty) Tescher. He attended school in Dickinson, ND through his sophomore year of high school. In 1975, the family moved to Beach, ND where he continued high school and his wrestling career.

Jeff began his college career and wrestled at Bismarck Junior College where he earned two individual conference championships. After his sophomore year, he continued his education at UND where he became a NCAA DII All-American in 1981.

During his college summers, he worked as a guide for his dad at the Tescher Trail Rides in the heart of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Additionally, he worked in the oil fields and for the Theodore Roosevelt Park service.

Jeff started his career as a public accountant, earned his CPA, spent 10 years working for Teacher’s Retirement, and another 10 years as the Fiscal Officer for the Diocese of Bismarck. During his career and while raising his family, he earned his Master of Business Administration (MBA).

In February of 1984, Jeff met the love of his life, Paulette (Miller). They were engaged nine months later and joined in marriage on June 22, 1985. Together they built a life honoring Christ and each other. Jeff and Paulette had five children (Jeffry, Adam, Jordin, Morgan, and Preston) and raised their family with strong faith, constant love, and the core belief that family is one of God’s greatest gifts.

While raising his children, Jeff enjoyed time on the family ranch and was a staple at the Tescher family brandings. Jeff and his family regularly traveled to the Home on the Range Champions Ride Rodeo to revisit the land, broncs, and extended family that he loved.

Jeff faced his share of challenges including the loss of his daughter (1991) and a series of brain surgeries and medical events (2005-2007). Through these hardships, Jeff kept his eyes on Jesus, his heart with his family, and continued to fight for more time with those he loved.

When his working days were over, Jeff volunteered his time serving lunch to the children at Saint Anne School. He spent noon hours at the YMCA lifting weights and socializing, and he looked forward to his Wednesday lunches with “the guys”.

Jeff loved Jesus, his family, his friends, dessert, sports, and especially the Green Bay Packers. When he wasn’t in the stands, on the mat, or at the field supporting his kids and grandkids, he was reclining at home cheering for his favorite teams with a bowl of ice cream and bag of candy by his side.

Jeff’s legacy can be found in the family he loved fiercely and the faith he lived boldly. He will forever be remembered, honored, and missed by his wife, Paulette; son Jeffry (Katie) and family (Kason, Maxton, Kya, Colson); son Adam (Darla); daughter Morgan Hey (Travis) and family (Myles, Delilah, Nixon); son Preston (Jacquelyn) and family (Callahan and Tatum); sister-in-law Norma; sister Barbara Brandow (Gary); brother Bob (Karen); brother Ray (Jill); sister Kay Williams (Don); brother Ren (Ann); sister Nona Niece (Bob); brother John (Kim); sister Mary Majka (Chris); brother Jay (Jodi); and several nieces, nephews, extended family members, foster grandchildren, and friends.

Jeff was survived by his mother Elizabeth (Betty) who joined him on his journey home two days later.

Those waiting to welcome Jeff home are his daughter, Jordin Marie; grandson Axel John; dad Alvin; brother Timothy; and sister Kathleen.

Jeff believed in enjoying the sweet things in life, sharing them generously, and making memories with the people you love. So next time you get the chance, order the large—you know Jeff would.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Light of Christ Catholic Schools (Bismarck, ND) and University of Mary Armada (Bismarck, ND).