HELEN TESSENDORF

Helen A. Tessendorf, age 91, of Neenah, passed away on Friday morning, January 15, 2010 at Vallhaven Care Center. Helen was born on April 19, 1918 in Neenah; daughter of the late Edward and Genevieve (Sailor) Loescher. She graduated from Menasha High School, class of 1936. After high school she was employed by Marathon, where she met Charles Tessendorf and married him on January 18, 1941. He preceded her in death on September 5, 1995. Helen was a loving wife and mother of five children. After Charles retirement, the couple enjoyed Summering at their cottage on Lake Mildred in Rhinelander. She loved spoiling her grandchildren, cross-stitching, embroidering, fishing, and reading. In 1993 Helen suffered a massive stroke that confined her to a wheelchair and severely limited her speech, but she was always lovingly cared for by her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughters. Most recently she enjoyed bird watching and spending time with Kitty. She will be sadly missed by her daughters: Susan (Darlene Cole) Tessendorf, West Bend, Bonnie (Dr. Henry) Kanemoto, Wausau; sons: John (Jeanne) Tessendorf, Spring Green, Terry (Kim) Tessendorf, Neenah; grandchildren: Emily, Maggie (Matthew) Anne, Michael (Libby) Brittany, Courtney, Jacey; a brother, Karl Bud (Mary) Loescher, South Bend, IN. In addition to her parents and her loving husband, she was preceded in death by a son, James; son-in-law, Thomas J. Forcey; sister, Barbara Staniak. The Funeral Service for Helen will be held on Monday, January 18, 2010, 5:00 P.M. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Neenah with the Rev. Clarence Harms officiating. Friends will be received at the church from 3:00 P.M. until the hour of service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Helens name are appreciated to Vallhaven Care Center. The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses and staff at Vallhaven, and Fourth Floor at Theda Clark for their gracious and loving care. Special thank you to Sarah Lang for your wonderful care. And thank you to Ruth Schultz and the staff at St. Paul for visiting and bringing Communion to Helen.