David James Tenesch

David James Tenesch, 69, of Missoula, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully, surrounded by his family, Tuesday, April 5, 2016 at St. Patrick Hospital.

He was born an Army brat to Lewis and Audrey Tenesch on March 27, 1947, in San Diego. During his childhood years, he lived in Chicago, Kansas, England and finally in Tacoma, Washington, where he spent his adolescent years. He graduated from Bethel High School in 1965.

David and Janet Greenfield were married in 1967 in Helena. Together, they had three sons, Kevin, Jason and Aaron. David's career in the specialty automotive industry took the family to many parts of Washington. Desiring a different lifestyle for their children, David and Janet decided to bring the family to Montana in 1975.

Here, he and his family took in everything Montana had to offer. They enjoyed backpacking, camping, skiing, fishing, hunting, rafting and kayaking. Dave was also very involved in the Missoula soccer community as a player and a coach for his sons. He taught his boys everything he could about the outdoors. It is by far one of his greatest legacies.

David had such an open and compassionate heart. While his boys were in school, many of their friends came to know and love David as their "second dad." He loved this role and embraced it with open arms.

David and Janet divorced in 1991. In 1994, David began D&R Equipment. His eldest son, Kevin, joined the business in 1995. Together, they built a successful business and David was still working there at the time of his passing.

In 1997, David reconnected with a lifelong friend, Jerilyn Watson. They were friends for 28 years before being married in 2000. David continued sharing his love of the outdoors with her, teaching her to fish, ski and row a raft with the best of them. They enjoyed many trips to Kihei, Maui, over the years. It became a very special place to them, renewing their vows there in 2013. At David's passing, they had been the best of friends for 44 years. They were the be-all and end-all love in each other's lives.

Becoming "Papa Dave" was one of the greatest joys in David's life. Whether it was a play, a concert, a gymnastics meet, Papa Dave was in the crowd cheering his grandbabies on. He loved teaching Lavinia, Kaetlyn, Grayson and Jaiden all about the outdoor activities he so loved.

David was preceded in death by his father Lewis, mother Audrey, sister Maxine, brother Marty and brother-in-law David.

Survivors include his loving wife and best friend, Jerilyn; his three amazing sons and their families, Kevin Tenesch, wife Dianna, granddaughters Kaetlyn and Jaiden of Lolo; Jason Tenesch and his significant other, Elise, of Darby; Aaron Tenesch, wife Leeann, granddaughter Lavinia and grandson Grayson of Philipsburg; his brother, Charles Tenesch of Tacoma, Washington; his sisters, Fran Cunningham of Silverdale, Washington, and Katherine Clift Moore of Round Lake, Illinois; his nephew, Shawn and son Chase Alire, Shawn's significant other, Carrie Bruce, and her daughter Kaysie Bruce of Gig Harbor, Washington; his niece, Emma Owen and her family, James, Madeleine and Olivia of Spokane; his nephew, Dan Tenesch Riley and his family, Maureen, Leyton and Caelan of Houston; his mother-in-law, Carolina Watson of Woodinville, Washington; and his former wife, Janet Rach.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at Sovereign Hope Church, 1919 North Ave. W., in Missoula. Please feel free to come early to begin to reminisce and share your favorite stories about David.

David lived an amazing and full life. He worked hard, he lived hard and he loved even harder. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Read David Tenesch's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.