Wilda Oesch

Wilda Smith Oesch, longtime resident of Poetry and of Terrell, passed away peacefully into the presence of the Lord on Jan. 19, 2026 with family at her side. Wilda was born June 20, 1934 in Illinois Bend, TX to Henry and Alpha Mae Smith, both of whom welcomed her into Heaven along with her five sisters: Francis, Wilma, Inis, Opal and Mae. Growing up on a farm in Illinois Bend (by the Oklahoma border), Wilda learned very early on about hard work and reliability. Her petite size belied her incredible strength and her ability to accomplish any goal, skills she used during her life time as she grew up, began working and started her family. Wilda was a woman who valued integrity and forward thinking and she willingly shared her knowledge and wisdom with those she cared about. While working at Texas Instruments, Wilda met a handsome and intelligent man, Jake Oesch. After getting married, she and Jake moved to Terrell and bought a farm in Poetry. They both owned and operated O-TEC Computer Service Company in Dallas for many years until their retirement. Spending time traveling with friends and family became Wilda and Jake’s new passion and they bought an Airstream and joined an Air Stream Travel Club. For the next several years, they traveled all over the nation, seeing new places, making new friends and enjoying time together. During October, they always returned to Texas to work for the State Fair of Texas for several years. Seeing the many expos, livestock shows and the countless visitors made Wilda and Jake feel like they were still traveling without leaving the great state of Texas! When not on the road, they were charter members of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Rockwall and Wilda loved serving and being active in “The Empty Nesters Group”. Wilda and Jake would also host an annual fish fry for their church family and friends, inviting all to a wonderful day of eating, fellowship, and enjoying each other’s company. A woman of who loved God, her family and her friends and lived every day to the fullest, Wilda will be very missed and her memory always held dear. She is survived by her husband, Jake Oesch; children: Jack Crowsey, Cindy Crowsey and Bill Crowsey and his wife Tracey; grandchildren: Nathan Crowsey and wife Crystal, Jordan Crowsey and wife Dominique, Dylan Crowsey, Rochelle Stephens and husband Nick; great grandchildren: Tyson, Heidi, Brady Eli, Isabelle, Drew, Alex and husband Caleb, great-great grandchildren: Sophie, Miley, Presley and Cash as well as several nieces, nephews, other extended family, her church family and very Special Caregiver, Carolyn “Karo” Stewart, each of whom loved Wilda very much. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that anyone who wishes to send a gift please consider sending a donation to Our Savior Lutheran Church of Rockwall in honor of Wilda. Donations can be made at the following link: https://secure.myvanco.com/YKRH/home:

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Wilda Oesch

June 20, 1934 - January 19, 2026