General Information
Full Name: Ronald CharlesTessmer
Date of Birth: April 24, 1930
Date of Death: January 16, 2013
Ron’s life story
Ronald Charles Tessmer
On April 24, 1930 on the family farm in Marystown, MN, Ronald Charles was born to the parents of Harry and Mrytle (Troast) Tessmer. He was the eldest of two children. Ron’s childhood years were spent working on the family farm and attended Kaup Country School through the eighth grade.
Ron married Roselyn Fahrenkamp on July 27, 1951. They were together for 24 years and in that time, Ron and Roselyn had five children, Herbert (November 1951), Marjorie (July 1957), Charles, (July 1958), Laurie, (October 1959) and Ronald (July 1961). In 1979, Ron and Roselyn parted ways. He met Janet Remmel, a loyal companion for life at the Prior Lake V.F.W. Ron’s family then expanded to include, Diana, Carla, Mike, Billy, Charles, David and a granddaughter, McKenzie Remmel. As a couple, they enjoyed having refreshing cocktails, taking their chances at pull tabs and playing cards while enjoying each other’s company.
Ron Proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a truck driver. While he was serving his first child, Herb, was born. Ron did not see him until he was 3 years of age. After returning from the service, he started working for Union Pacific Railroad. Then for the next 27 years, Ron worked at Bunge/Cargill Grain Elevator until retiring. He continued working part time at the Prior Lake High School and Canterbury Park as a janitor and at Dawn Valley Golf Course picking up apples and cutting grass. Ron took his first roller coaster ride at Valleyfair with his friends from the golf course.
Upon truly retiring, Ron enjoyed time spent with his children and grandchildren. It was his grandchildren who brought him the most joy in his life. He enjoyed attending auctions, the companionship of his cats, and playing cards and dominos. Ron also loved taking road trips to see his brother, Cookie. Ron was a lifetime and active member of the Prior Lake VFW Post #6208 and the American Legion in Savage Post #47.
Ronnie passed away peacefully with his family by his side at Fairview Ridges Hospital in Burnsville, MN in the early morning hours of Wednesday, January 16, 2013.
Deeply missed and remembered always by those who loved Ronnie; children, Herbert (Julie) Tessmer of Prior Lake, Marge Holtan of Bloomington, Charles (Sue) Tessmer of New Prague, Laurie Jackson of Lakeville and Ron Tessmer of Prior Lake; grandchildren, Lisa Holtan, Jeremiah (Ashley) Holtan, Cathy (Chris) Jackson, Teri (Travis) Griffin, Tracy Jackson, Stacey Tessmer; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Hailey, Brooklyn, Colby, Caydice, Cai, Merrick; extended children, Diana Norman of Hopkins, Carla Remmel of Arizona, Mike Remmel of Wisconsin, Billy (Christine) Remmel of Coon Rapids, Charles Remmel of Arizona, David Remmel of Arizona; extended granddaughter, McKenzie Remmel; brother, Marvin “Cookie” (Mary) Tessmer of Richmond, MN; other loving relatives and devoted friends.
Ron is preceded in death by loyal companion, Janet; parents; son-in-law, David Holtan. Pallbearers for Ron will be his sons and grandchildren.
The Celebration of Life Service will be on Monday, January 21 at 11 am, with visitation starting at 9:30 am at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church 3611 North Berens NW, Prior Lake. Pastor Diana Hunstad will preside. Ronnie will be laid to rest next to Janet at Spring Lake Cemetery in Prior Lake, MN. The Prior Lake VFW Post #6208 Volunteer Honor Guard will provide honors.
The Tessmer family is served with honor, care and compassion by Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Prior Lake Chapel.
Visitation
When: Monday, Janaury 21. 2013, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: 3611 North Berens NW
Prior Lake, MN
Service Information
When: Monday, January 21, 2013 11:00 a.m.
Location: Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Address: 3611 North Berens NW
Prior Lake, MN
Interment Information
Location: Spring Lake Cemetery
Address: Prior Lake, Minnesota
