Judith Tessmer

There will be a parish prayer service at 7pm at the funeral home. Judy was born in Boscobel, WI on October 17, 1958 to Chester A and Eugenia M (Dewitt) Garthwaite. She grew up on the family dairy farm in Mt. Hope Township. She graduated from West Grant High School in 1976 and attended UW-Platteville prior to completing her Retail Sales degree at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore WI. Judy met her future husband, Scott Tessmer, when they were both employed with Anthony's Clothing store in Prairie du Chein, WI. Scott and Judy were married on May 20, 1983 at the Little Brown Church in Nashua, IA. The couples employment with Anthony's took them to Iowa and eventually back to Scott's hometown of Sleepy Eye, MN. Judy was employed for more than 20 years at the Volunteers of America (VOA) Sleepy Eye Care Center. Judy was known for her beautiful smile, wonderful sense of humor, and amazing musical talent. She sang at numerous weddings and events and enjoyed fun evenings of karaoke. As a member of her dart league, Judy brought home many trophies. Her time with friends and family was something Judy cherished, and she hopes that we all will continue to celebrate life. Judy is survived by her husband, Scott Tessmer and her two sons Seth and Chase Tessmer all of Sleepy Eye, MN; eight siblings David (Shirley) Garthwaite, Manitowoc WI; Paul Zeke (Karen) Garthwaite, Blanchardville WI; Janet (James) Struss, Fennimore WI; Dr. Susan Garthwaite, Evanston IL; Betty (Richard) Wilinski, Milwaukee WI; Margaret Clark Janesville WI; Carol (Eugene) Harris, Bagley WI; Nancy (Brenten) Posten, Prairie du Chein, WI; her mother-in-law Muriel Tessmer; brothers-in-law Larry (Jean) Tessmer; Kurt (Gayle Hillesheim) Tessmer; Lynn (Kathy) Tessmer all of Sleepy Eye ; Stacy (Sandi) Tessmer, New Ulm; sister-in-law Kimberly (Scott McLean) Forst, Crivitz WI and numerous nieces and nephews. Judy was preceded in death by her parents Chester and Eugenia Garthwaite; father-in-law Lenus Tessmer; and nephew Craig Harris.