August 16, 2017 – Kewaskum, WI – John R. Tessar, 86, of Kewaskum, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at Kathy Hospice in the town of Polk, with his family at his side.
John was born on May 27, 1931, to the late John and Lorinda (Schaefer) Tessar. On August 28, 1954, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Wickert at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in West Bend.
John worked at Regal Ware Inc. for 41 years and at the time of his retirement in 1994, he was the Director of Retail Stores. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from July 1951 to April 1953, and saw action in the Korean War. John enjoyed all sports and was a life member of Hon-E-Kor Country Club.
John was a member of Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum where he served as a church trustee for three years. John was also a member of the Robert G. Romaine American Legion Post #384 of Kewaskum, Veteran of Foreign Wars Post #1393 of West Bend, Past Commanders Club of the American Legion, and a member of the Moose Lodge #1398 of West Bend. He served on the School Board for the Kewaskum School District for eight years and was a member of the Board of Appeals for the Village of Kewaskum. John was an assistant Boy Scout Leader and assistant coach for Little League Baseball.
Those John leaves behind to cherish his memory include his wife, Mary; two sons, Scott (Cheri) Tessar of Kewaskum and Mark (Beth) Tessar of Waukesha; four grandchildren, Emily Tessar (fiancé Bobby Schotzko), Kyle Tessar, Nathan Tessar and Abby Tessar; two sisters-in-law, Donna Tessar of Kewaskum and Nancy Wickert of West Bend; a brother-in-law, James (Janice) Wickert of Lake Havasu, AZ; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, Lawrence and Ann Wickert; three brothers, Allen (Annabelle) Tessar, Wayland (Darlene) Tessar, Tom Tessar; a sister-in-law, Adeline Tessar; and a brother-in-law, Larry “Flicky” Wickert.
A memorial service for John will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 19, 2017, at Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum with Rev. Eric Kirkegaard officiating. John’s family will greet relatives and friends at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Peace United Church of Christ in Kewaskum or the Stars and Stripes Honor Flight is appreciated.
The Myrhum Patten Miller & Kietzer Funeral Homes have been entrusted with John’s arrangements. Additional information and guest book may be found at www.myrhum-patten.com.
The family would like to thank the staff of Horizon Hospice at the Kathy Hospice facility for the care provided to John and to Tammy and Michelle from Horizon Hospice for the visits at home.