Kurt James Tesch

Kurt James Tesch passed away unexpectedly at his home in Euless, TX. A month shy of his 56 birthday, Kurt has gone too soon.

Isolated in this time of Covid-19, Kurt was planning his next trip to Saratoga, NY. He went there yearly to check on the racehorses of which he was part owner. He loved going to the track since he was a little kid and accompanied his grandparents. As a teenager, Kurt's first job was working the concession stands at Rosecroft Raceway. Kurt foreshadowed his later career choice as a Financial Analyst, with an acute and occasionally lucrative talent for handicapping (betting on) the races from a young age. At age 11 or 12. Kurt hit it big on a $2 bet with a payoff of $4,047. After that, Kurt could often be found in the grandstand holding court surrounded by the cigar smoke of a much older crowd of horse race enthusiasts.

Born on August 6, 1964, Kurt grew up in Fort Washington, MD where he graduated from Friendly High School in 1982. He played football on an undefeated JV team as an offensive lineman and then on the Varsity team with the legendary Coach Crawford at the helm.

The following Fall, Kurt left for the University of Oklahoma. A hardcore OU Fan and dedicated alumni, his college days were some of the best of his life. He loved OU. He owned what must have been every OU shirt ever made. At least once a year Kurt (often accompanied by his Dad) attended an OU football game. Kurt earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration / Management.

His love for sports extended to the Baltimore Orioles, Ravens and Washington Redskins.  Kurt and his Grandad, James, attended the first ever Orioles’ Opening Day at Camden Yards.

Kurt loved to cook. Spicy with a Southwestern flair. He grew hot peppers and created his own hot sauces and spice blends. He always cooked when the family gathered.  His pursuit of the perfect technique and recipe for BBQ, allowed him the unique hobby of being an official Barbecue Judge in Texas.

Kurt was a music fan. He played guitar in a garage band during high school. Kurt worked security for concerts during college. He remained a music fan throughout the rest of his life.

Everyone remembers Kurt for his dry sense of humor. He was truly funny, with a quick wit. He was kind and had a way of letting people be whoever they were. He never meddled. Often one might detect a raised eyebrow when something got his attention. Always chill unless he was being competitive. He was a good-natured competitor whenever the opportunity presented, including whacky contests with coworkers at American Airlines and, finally, at Air Medical Group Holdings.  He participated in fantasy leagues of all sorts with his mother, grandmother and a collection of family and friends. Kurt loved his job and his coworkers.  Their friendships extended beyond the workplace.

His kindness and humor made him a topnotch uncle and granduncle. Always one to play with the kids and get to know them on their level. He loved his niece, Ashley, fiercely, and her children, Judah and Esme. He was a good buddy to his nephew, Mitch, who he encouraged in his art and entrepreneurship.

Kurt James Tesch will be cherished forever by his grieving family. Those surviving include, his mother, Gina Adelman (husband Rodney); his father Gary Tesch (wife, Jeanne); his maternal grandmother, Regina Gregorek; and his sister, Tara Tesch Forsburg (husband Gerald). His niece, Ashley Withey (husband, Justin and family); nephew, Mitch Forsburg will keep him in their hearts forever.  Two stepsisters, Meredith Marsh Masse (husband Don, son Alexander) and Valerie Adelman Collier (husband Tony and sons Aiden, Camden and Weston); a host of cousins, coworkers and friends will remember him fondly.

Due to current travel restrictions, service details will be posted here at a later date.

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