Alma Tessman

Alma Tessman, 95, passed away at Heritage House in Atlantic on Wednesday evening, November 25, 2009. Alma Clara Tessman was born the daughter of Fred and Sophia (Grulke) Wendt, on June 22, 1914, west of Atlantic, in Pottawattamie County, Iowa. She attended schools near Walnut and in Exira, graduating with the Exira High School Class of 1931. She went on to teach in Cameron Township # 7 in Audubon County four years. Alma was married to Earl Herman Tessman in the Methodist Parsonage in Maryville, Missouri, March 14, 1937. The couple made their homes in Pottawattamie, Audubon and Cass County and were blessed with a son, Melvin. Alma was a member of United Church of Christ where she was active in Women's Fellowship Circle. She was part of her neighborhood "Cheerful Workers Club" for 30 years. She enjoyed cooking, baking angel food cakes, gardening and spending time with her family. The family took memorable fishing trips to Minnesota and spent winters in Mesa, Arizona for 20 years. Alma's survivors include her son Melvin of Atlantic; granddaughter Janna Tessman Azim and her husband Tawfik of Sacramento, CA; Melvin's life partner Cheryl Starkweather and her children, Scott Starkweather and wife Dr. Tina Starkweather of Sycamore, IL, Dr. Andrea Matheson and her husband Dr. Dale Matheson and their daughter Abby of Johnson, IA; brothers, Ervin Wendt of San Diego, CA and Everett Wendt and wife Wynona of Audubon; and her sister Genevieve Bishop of Merrian, KS. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl; daughter-in-law Sharon Tessman; her parents; an infant brother Marvin Wendt; two sisters, Winifred Murray and Evelyn Tessman; one brother Wilber Wendt; her grandson Todd Eric Tessman; brothers-in-law, Rod Murray, Arch Tessman and Jesse Bishop; and sisters-in-law, Lorraine Wendt and Marie Wendt. There will be open visitation daily until Sunday when Alma's family will meet with friends and relatives at Roland Funeral Home from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, November 29; the interment will follow to be held in Atlantic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.; and her memorial service will be held 3:00 at Atlantic United Church of Christ. Pastor Nancy Jensen will officiate. The family invites friends to join them for a luncheon at the church. Roland Funeral Service is caring for Alma's family and the arrangements. Condolences may be left in her guest book at the Roland website www.rolandfuneralservice.com. Funeral InformationThere will be open visitation daily until Sunday when Alma's family will meet with friends and relatives at Roland Funeral Home from 12:00 to 1:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, November 29; the interment will follow to be held in Atlantic Cemetery at 2:00 p.m.; and her memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Atlantic United Church of Christ. Pastor Nancy Jensen will officiate. The family invites friends to join them for a luncheon at the church. Roland Funeral Service is caring for Alma's family and the arrangements. Condolences may be left in her guest book at the Roland website www.rolandfuneralservice.com. IN REMEMBRANCE OFAlma Clara TessmanBorn June 22, 1914 ENTERED INTO RESTWednesday, November 25, 2009 95 years, 5 months and 3 daysMEMORIAL SERVICE3:00 PM Sunday, November 29, 2009 United Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, IowaOFFICIATINGPastor Nancy JensenUnited Church of Christ ~ Atlantic, Iowa MUSICAL SELECTIONS" In The Garden""Closer Walk With Thee" Congregation page 557"How Great Thou Art" KEYBOARDJodi GreinerSOLOISTTeresa MarshallSOUND BOOTHAnn NielsenCASKET BEARERS Dale Leander Jerry Lowers Robert Vernon Dennis Johnson Scott Starkweather Dr. Dale MathesonHONORARY BEARERSGalen Newman Malcolm Bishop Lyle Pigg Jack Burrows Jim Rush FLOWER COMMITTEEPat and Don Nielsen and Tom and Joan NielsenCOMMITTAL SERVICEAtlantic Cemetery at 2:00 PMAtlantic, IowaThe family invites relatives and friends to join them for a luncheon at the church following.