Audrey I. Tessmer

Audrey I. Tessmer, 96, passed away Monday, November 9, 2026, under the care of Compassus Hospice at Renaissance Assisted Living, Weston.

She was born December 29, 1929, in Mosinee, daughter of the late Lester and Hazel (Hahn) Washburn. On February 23, 1954, she married Warren Tessmer at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee, and he preceded her in death on December 2, 2016.

Audrey worked as a secretary for G.D. Jones Elementary School for many years. She treated the kids like they were her own. She was also actively involved in several organizations that were dear to her heart. She loved being in the community Stunt Night. She also enjoyed her volunteer work at Marywood Convalescent Center. She was a member of the Writers of Wausau and the Queen Mother of Red Hats. She devoted many years of service to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Ladies Auxiliary, where she served as past president, co-chair for several state conventions, and held numerous state chairmanships. She was also a proud member of the State Color Guard for 20 years.

Audrey and Warren loved to travel. They saw much of this country and the world. Hawaii and Germany were probably their favorites.

Audrey and Warren were proud members of St Anne’s parish. Faith was an important part of their lives and trust in God saw them through life.

Audrey's dedication to her community, her commitment to serving others, and the friendships she built through her many years of involvement were an important part of her life. Her family was at the center of her life.

Survivors include her children, David Tessmer, Scott (Edith) Tessmer, Gregory (Paulette) Tessmer and Pamela (Tryg) Knutson; grandchildren, Amanda Tessmer, Aaron (Imani Broadway) Tessmer, Tyler (Kayla) Tessmer, Ryan (Terra Gahlman) Tessmer, Gunther (Sarah) Knutson, Stener Knutson and Signe Knutson; great-grandchildren, Hazel, Violet, Brielle and Wynslet; sisters, Barbara Schust and Lynda Ricketts; and many other relatives and friends.

Besides her parents and husband, Warren, she was preceded in death by brothers, Glen and Gordon Washburn, a sister, Molly Washburn and grandson Gunder Knutson.

The funeral Mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 17,at St. Anne Catholic Church, Wausau. Visitation will be at 9:00 am until the time of service, also at St Anne’s. A family burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau, on Wednesday November 18 at 10:30 am.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com