West Bend, Wi – Roger L. Tennessen of West Bend, died surrounded by family on Monday, January 6, 2025 at his home at the age of 85 years. For the past few years, he was able to stay in his home due to the devoted care he received from his wife and daughter Ingrid.
He was born September 29, 1939 in Milwaukee to the late William H. and Ruby (nee Goke) Tennessen.
After graduating from Marquette High School, he attended Marquette University, graduating from University of Wisconsin-Madison earning a bachelor’s degree horticulture and later a master’s degree in small fruit production.
In 1962, he enlisted into and served with the United States Army Reserves.
On February 8, 1964, he was united in marriage to Barbara L. Robinson at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Milwaukee.
In 1975, the family moved to West Bend where they purchased a 75-acre produce farm. For the next 25 years, Tennessen’s Family Fun Farm became more than just a farm. They employed more than 1,000 area kids, teaching them many valuable life skills like responsibility and driving, to name a few.
From picking strawberries in the summer to hay rides to the pumpkin patch, including Silas the Sneaky Silo Slimmer in the fall, Roger brought untold enjoyment to more families and school groups than can be counted.
During his down time between seasons, he taught a variety of courses at Milwaukee Area Technical College in Mequon and West Allis including sales, marketing and horticulture. He also taught supervisory courses for Allis-Chalmers Tractor Plant Supervisors.
After the sale of the farm, Roger and Barbara built a house on Little Cedar Lake where he had spent his entire life. In his retirement years, he enjoyed fishing, watching his grandchildren and researching genealogy.
In his later years, he took great joy in playing Santa Claus. He spent many hours listing to the wishes of area children at local schools and daycares, and Enchantment in the Park.
He was a member and past president of the Wisconsin Berry Growers Association, a member of the Washington County Local Emergency Planning Committee, a member of Holy Angels Parish serving on the parish and school councils and served as a board member for the Washington County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years Barbara; 3 daughters: Beatrix (Dominic) Cusumano of St. Louis, MO, Elizabeth (Mark) Alberg of Brookfield and Ingrid Laforest (Daniel Kidney) of West Bend; 7 grandchildren: Abigail (Glen) Sager and Santino Cusumano, Oliver and Lillian Alberg and Tennessen and Evelyn Laforest and Remington Kidney; 2 great-grandchildren: Gray and Lyle Sager; 2 brothers William L. (Carol) Tennessen and David (Nancy) Tennessen; 3 sisters-in-law: Evelyn Robinson, Judith (Brian) Hurst and Cynthia (Kent) Larimer; countless nieces and nephews, countless grand-nieces-and-nephews; many foster children and grandchildren including Angela Mary, Dawn and Sabrina Bowden; other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 1 brother-in-law Lynn Robinson and foster daughter Wanda Bowden and foster grandson D.J. Bowden.
The family will greet relatives and friends during a period of visitation on Friday, January 10 at the Schmidt Funeral Home from 4 until 7 p.m. and also Saturday, January 11 from 9 until 9:45 a.m. at Holy Angels Catholic Church. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday at 10 a.m.
The Schmidt Funeral Home in West Bend is serving the family. If you would like to leave a message of comfort and condolence please visit www.schmidtfuneralhome.com
