Eugene Thomas Tessmann, age 79, passed away peacefully on Monday October 16, 2023, in Shawano, surrounded by family. Gene was born on June 20, 1944, son of Henry Edwards and Shirley Mae (Noyes) Edwards. After the death of his biological father, Gene was later adopted and raised by Otto Tessmann. Gene grew up in Racine. After high school Gene enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country honorably during the Vietnam era. On August 29, 1964, he united in marriage to the love of his life, Marilyn Sorensen in Racine. Gene was a proud member of the Pembine American Legion #461. In his free time, he was an avid fly fisherman and enjoyed hunting. He also loved smoking meat, playing cribbage, gardening, and woodworking. Gene was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and will be deeply missed.

Gene is survived by his wife of 59 years, Marilyn; children, Rebecca (Norb) Smits, Debra (John) Retzlaff, and Thomas (Kelley) Tessmann; 9 grandchildren, Candyce (Wayne) Legois, Jr., Brittany (Lane) Polczinski, Tyler (Samantha) Van Asten, Travis (Amanda) Van Asten, Jennifer (Josh) Van Kauwenberg, Jason (Mindy) Wegner, Gavin Vandersteen, Aiden Busch-Tessmann, and Liam Tessmann; 17 great-grandchildren; and siblings, John (Terri) Tessmann, Daniel (Crystal) Tessmann, and Mary Ann (Jack) Slaasted. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Gene is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Henry Edwards Jr. and Dennis Tessmann.

A funeral service for Gene will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bonduel with Pastor Timothy Shoup officiating. Visitation will be held at the Swedberg Wendt Funeral Home in Bonduel on Friday October 20, 2023, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm, and then again at the church on Saturday from 10:00am until the time of the service.

Gene's family would like to extend a special thank you to Brittany, Candyce, Unity Hospice, and Shawano Health Services for the wonderful care.