Audrey A. Tessmer

Audrey Ann Tessmer was born in Gregory, South Dakota on February 27, 1932. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith, she was raised primarily in Hadar and Grand Island, Nebraska. Audrey graduated from high school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and attended the University of Wisconsin, achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Microbiology and a Master’s Degree in History/Education. After being employed by the City of Milwaukee and several hospitals, she moved to Madison, where she worked at Madison General Hospital (later Meriter). As Director of Meriter’s Medical Technology School, she enjoyed working with many students and fellow technologists. Audrey retired in 2000 to move to La Crescent where she worked for a time at Franciscan Skemp and volunteered at Gundersen. She went to her Eternal Home on November 15, 2024.

Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Pastor L.A. and Louise Tessmer; and her brother, Pastor Charles Tessmer.

Audrey is survived by her sister, Barbara Tessmer of La Crescent; her sister-in-law, Delores of Menomonee Falls; her nephew, Pastor Paul Tessmer (Deb) and family of Chesaning, Michigan; two nieces: Susan Heinitz (Brian) and family of Henderson, Nevada, and Julie Wietzke (Tom) of Pflugerville, Texas; many cousins; other relatives; Meriter colleagues; and friends.

Our thanks to Onalaska Care Center, Moments Hospice and Levon Maybee for their care and concern for Audrey. Special thanks to Pastor Leistekow for his visits and song.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, November 22, 2024 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in La Crescent, MN with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at Windsor Congregational Cemetery in Windsor, WI.