Jerome Tessmer

Jerome "Jerry" J. Tessmer 67, Athens, died Friday, July 6, 2007 at St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield. He was born September 15, 1939 in Athens, son of the late Harold Tessmer and Emma (Wojciechowski) Tessmer-Karow. On August 5, 1961 he married Moonyean Braunbeck in Miles City, Montana. She survives. Jerry served his country in the United States Air Force. He worked for many years as an assistant manager for the Athens IGA and for 22 years he assisted the Athens Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Departments. He also served on the Athens Village Board, drove a school bus for 39 years and was an usher for St. Anthony Catholic Church. Some of his hobbies included fishing, bowling, watching sports and especially spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife Moonyean "Moony" Tessmer, Athens; children, Kathy Jo Drewek, Wausau, Kim (Gary) Drewek, Kris (Scott) Schilling, David (Sherri) Tessmer, and Doug (Mari) Tessmer, all of Athens; grandchildren, Matt and Kayla Schilling, Emily and Becky Drewek, Jordon and Chelsee Tessmer and Darin Tessmer all of Athens; sisters, Marcella (Vic) Novak, Milwaukee, Joan Sonnenberg, Oshkosh, Lynn (Ray) Steen Jr., and Cheryl (Tony) Eckert, both of Medford; sisters-in-law, Mary Tessmer, Athens, Shirley Sorlie, Fargo, N.D. and Boni Braunbeck, Missoula, Mont., many other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by a sister, Delores, infant brother, David and brother Jim. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at St. Anthony Catholic Church, Athens. The Rev. Charles Hiebl will preside. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, Athens where full military honors will be conducted by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Andrew J. Sutter Post No. 8527. Friends may call Monday from 4-8 p.m. at the Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens and again on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at the church. There will be a 7:30 p.m. prayer service followed by a VFW service Monday evening at the funeral home. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Athens is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com