James Lawrence Tessen, age 96, of Hortonville, passed away on Friday, September 2, 2016 at St. Joseph’s Residence in New London.
Jim was born on July 8, 1920 in Town of Royalton, to the late Lawrence and Lula (Jenson) Tessen. He was united in marriage to Mary Catherine Jamison, on October 8, 1941 in Hortonville. Jim was raised on a farm and worked at a cheese factory for many years. He was also employed at the canning factory, Borchardt Moder Funeral Home and the Outagamie Highway Department, where he retired. Jim was a member of SS Peter and Paul Holy Name Society and Knights of Columbus. He volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America starting in 1957 and continued for over 50 years, including 12 years as Scoutmaster. He was a member of the Board of Review and was awarded the District Award of Merit and the Silver Beaver Award for his service with the Boy Scouts.
Jim is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine; sons, Robert James (Gail), Bryan, TX; Dennis Lawrence (Peggy), Lancaster, PA and John Mark (Diane), Appleton, WI; 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Lucille Margaret (Henry) Fabisiak and grandparents, Herman and Mary Louise (Kupper) Tessen.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Jim will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at Most Precious Blood Catholic Church in New London with Fr. John Kleinschmidt officiating. Visitation will take place on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 from 4-7 p.m. at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London and again from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church Wednesday. Burial will in SS Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery in Hortonville.