Larry Tessman

Larry Tessman, age 76, of Neillsville, WI, died Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at his residence in
the Town of Pine Valley.
Larry Lee Tessman was born on September 6, 1947, the son of Harold and Lotis (Chambers)
Tessman. At a young age, Larry and his family moved to Belvidere, IL. Larry started school at
Kishwaukee Grade School in Garden Praire, IL. He went to junior high and high school in
Belvidere and then left school at the age of 16. He joined the United States Army on his 17 th
birthday in September of 1964. He was stationed at Ft. Knox, KY for his basic and Ait training,
then he went to Korea for a year. When he returned to the states, he was assigned to Ft. Polk,
LA. Larry was honorably discharged from the Army in September of 1967. He then met, and
later was united in marriage to Colleen Ann Russell on August 17, 1968 in Belvidere, IL. They
moved to Tomah, WI in 1978, and Larry worked various jobs as a mechanic. He and Colleen
also owned a tavern in Wyeville, WI from 1978 to 1981. He then joined the United States Army
National Guard in 1983, working for 17 years as a Federal Technician. Larry retired from the
Guards in September of 2007.
Larry was a life-time member of the General R.B. McCoy VFW Post #2112 in Sparta, WI, and a
member of the Haugen-Richmond American Legion Post #73 in Neillsville, WI. He enjoyed
hunting and fishing in his younger years, and he has always enjoyed tinkering around in his shop
at home.
He is survived by his wife, Colleen, a son, Todd Tessman of Neillsville, three grandchildren,
Jamie, Jeremy and Lotis Tessman, and a sister-in-law, Shirley Tessman of Neillsville, WI.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, Jeffery Scott Tessman, and infant grandson,
Tyler Tessman, an infant sister, Debbie Tessman, and a brother, Harold “Rick” Tessman.
A Memorial Service for Larry will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the
Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville. Pastor Mark Fugate will officiate. Music will be provided
by Sarah Fugate, organist. Military Honors will follow the service. Interment will be in the Wood
Cemetery in Tomah, WI. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., Thursday at the Gesche
Funeral Home. A livestream of the Memorial Service and Military Honors can be viewed at
http://www.geschefh.com on the day of the service.
Online Condolences may be made at http://www.geschefh.com.
The Gesche Funeral Home is assisting Larry’s family with funeral arrangements.