Warren D. Tessmer

Warren D. Tessmer, 92, Wausau, died Friday December 2, 2016, at his home under the care of his family and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born September 28, 1924, in Wausau, son of the late Edward and Agnes (Rehwinkle) Tessmer. On February 23, 1954, he married Audrey Washburn at St. Paul Catholic Church, Mosinee. She survives. He was a 1943 graduate of Wausau Senior High School. Warren served his country honorably in the US Army Air Corps, enlisting in 1942. He served during both World War II (European Theater) as a ball turret gunner in B-17's and the Korean War as a side gunner in B-29's. He received the Purple Heart for being wounded in World War II and flew in the lead B-29 that escorted General MacArthur's plane when he left Japan on April 12, 1951. He was credited with shooting down planes in both wars. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Burns Post No.388, serving as past Post Commander, past State Chief of Staff, served 25 years in the State VFW Color Guard and 20 years in the State VFW Competition Committee along with serving in the local VFW Honor Guard for Visitation and Graveside Military Honors. In the past, Warren also served as President of the State Veterans Service Commissioners and as Chairman of the Veterans Service Commission of Marathon County. He was on the Board of Directors of the Marathon County Fair Board with two years as Chairman. Warren had been employed for many years at First American Bank and Central National Bank retiring as Vice President and Cashier. He knew every customer by name, and worked at his desk in the lobby so he would be available when they entered the bank. Warren felt it was important for the youth to understand the context of war, and he and Audrey visited schools, scout meetings and anywhere they could help bring knowledge and understanding of military service. Survivors include his wife, Audrey Tessmer, Wausau, four children, David Tessmer, South St. Paul, Minn., Scott (Edith) Tessmer, Wausau, Gregory (Paulette) Tessmer, Wausau, Pamela (Tryg) Knutson, Waunakee and seven grandchildren: Amanda &Aaron Tessmer, Tyler (DeAnna) & Ryan Tessmer, Gunther, Stener & Signe Knutson. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Lloyd M. Tessmer and a sister, Dorothy A. Young. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday December 6, 2016 at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. Rev. Nate Kuhn will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau where full Military Honors will be conducted by his VFW comrades. Friends may call on Monday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of services all at St. Anne Church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the VFW Auxiliary Cancer Fund in care of the family.