Michael "Mike" Orville Tessmer

Michael O. Tessmer, age 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 17, 2026. He was preceded in death by his wife: Lynn (Busco) Tessmer, parents: Orville and Byrdine Tessmer, siblings: Peggy Sargent, Robert Tessmer and Chris Heil and son-in-law: Robert Oates.

He was born on October 27, 1947, in Wausau, WI. Mike was an Army veteran, who served in the Vietnam War, returning to escort his deceased cousin, David Tessmer. He worked as a millwright at the Rothschild Weyerhauser Paper Mill, retiring after forty years. He married Audrey Duranceau in 1970, who came with daughter, Sandra. The family welcomed their son, Steven, in 1972.

Mike was a solitary man. Being an outdoorsman, he hunted and fished in his younger years, but his real passion was motorcycle riding. He enjoyed reading novels in the winter months, and especially enjoyed books on the Great Depression era. Years after he and Audrey divorced, he met the love of his life, Lynn Zoromski. Lynn brought three daughters, Kristine, Shelley, and Sheila, to the family. Lynn’s laugh was infectious, and the couple enjoyed bowling, playing pool and later, traveling.

After Lynn passed in 2022, he kept busy with bus driving, day trips, helping his friends with projects, and taking them to appointments. He later joined the YMCA to chat with the old guys.

Mike is survived by his children, Sandra Oates, Steven (Miriam) Tessmer, siblings: Delores (Jim) Hopland, Patricia (Joel) Tessmer-Roehrig, Lisa (Jack) Beilke, Julie (Greg Rakowski) Tessmer-Sell and Paul Tessmer, seven grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren and numerous aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has asked that donations be made in Mike’s name to The Women’s Community of Wausau.

Brainard Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Wausau is honored to assist Mike’s family with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.brainardhelke.com.