Norma Jean Tessmer

Norma Jean Tessmer, age 69, passed away on April 5, 2016 at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan, following a brief illness. She was born on July 20, 1946 to Clayton and Marcella (Newland) Auger in L’Anse, Michigan. Norma grew up in L’Anse and met Art Tessmer. They married on January 13, 1968. In the ensuing years, they started their family and lived in many Michigan cities including Ionia, Fountain, and Pickford. They finally settled in Pickford where they’ve lived since 1977. Norma was employed as a teacher’s aide at Pickford Public Schools for many years. She truly loved her job, the staff, and the students. Her job was very enjoyable, and on occasion she and her partner-in-crime, Cathy Thorne, did their best to either stay out of trouble or start the same. Norma retired from the school on March 30, 2007. Although, Norma worked outside of the home, she was truly a professional housewife and mother, both of which were her true passions. Norma had a wonderful persona. She was caring, friendly, enjoyed a good sense of humor and was very quick witted. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, traveling, cleaning her home (and cleaning it again) and visiting the local casinos. Her enjoyment of gambling was an extremely poorly kept secret. Her passing has left an unfillable void in the life of her husband, children and grandchildren, and others who loved her. She will be so dearly missed. She was a wonderful partner for the short journey. Norma is survived by her husband of 48 years, Art Tessmer; daughter, Tracy (Ray) Kopitsch; son, Tom (Kerri) Tessmer; grandchildren, Paige, Madyson, Emma, Raegen, Thomas, Cassandra, Braxton, and Mallory; sisters, Jane (Joe) Darcy and Robin (John) Henry; nieces and nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law; and many very good friends. Norma is preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Marcella Auger; father and mother-in-law, Art and Rose Tessmer; and grandparents, with whom she was especially close, Graydon & Marceline Newland. A Memorial Gathering will be held on Monday, April 11, 2016 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan. A Memorial Service will begin at 4:00 P.M. Norma will be interned in the spring. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pickford Community Library, P.O. Box 277, Pickford, MI 49774. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Norma Jean Tessmer

July 20, 1946 - April 5, 2016