1920
Kathryn
2008
Kathryn Tessien
March 26, 1920 — November 11, 2008
On March 26, 1920, a daughter, Kathryn Mae Tessien was born to Leuie and Alma (Miller) Tessien, at Heart’s Delight farm, in Wisconsin Township in Jackson County, Minnesota.
Kathryn Mae became a member of God’s family when she was baptized on May 9, 1920, at Salem Lutheran Church (ALC) in Jackson, MN., sponsored by her Uncle Ed Tessien and Auntie Agnes (Miller) Raasch. She confirmed her faith on September 8, 1935, also at Salem Lutheran Church.
She attended rural district #14, graduated from Jackson High School in 1938 and from the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis in 1940. She then went on to take a two year business training at JHS.
Kathryn was employed by her father in his insurance office from 1940 to 1948. She then moved to Minneapolis where she was a secretary at the Lutheran Welfare Office, now Lutheran Social Services from 1948 to 1951. She was a clerk in the LBI bookstore from 1951 to 1955, a secretary to the Associate Youth Director of the Youth Department of the Augustana Synod from 1955 to 1962. After the formation of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), Kathryn was a secretary to an Assistant to the Bishop of the Minnesota Synod from 1962 to 1986.
Kathryn’s church membership was in Salem, Jackson, from 1920-1950; in Bethany, Minneapolis, from 1950-1957; Messiah, Minneapolis, from 1957-2004; and First English, Ortonville, from 2004.
Kathryn was a member of the Luther League, taught Sunday School, served on the Messiah Altar Guild for 18 years, a member of various church circles and committees, ushered, greeted, a communion assistant, a communion visitor to shut-ins, and chair of the Messiah Outreach Committee.
Kathryn’s interests included, reading, attending concerts, traveling, sports (obtaining an autograph in a personal meeting with Harmon Killebrew, was a highlight), and writing notes and letters. Her interest in politics began early in life when she actively participated in ‘campaigning’ for Herbert Hoover in 1928!
In 1994 she compiled a Family History – aided tremendously by material from a relative, her brother and cousin Lyle. Known to her family as “Kay” – she appreciated their love and care and concern for her. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews (although some were too far away for much contact). It was reassuring to know that her name will be carried on by Anne Kathryn Hansen-Tonn, Emma Kathryn Tessien, and Kathryn (Katie) Marie Hansen.
In 2004 Kathryn and Martha Halsten moved to Ortonville where Kathryn continued to be Martha’s caregiver until her death on March 9, 2008.
Kathryn is survived by her brother, Dr. Robert (Rita) Tessien of Springfield; sister, Ruth M. Hansen of Ortonville; aunt, Leonora Miller of Austin; nieces, Patricia A (Norbert) Walter, Beth M. Hansen, Anne K. (David) Hansen-Tonn; nephews, James R. (Sandra) Tessien, Kurt L (Dori) Hansen, Robert D. (Anne) Tessien; fourteen great nieces and nephews; fourteen great-great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leuie and Alma Tessien; nephew, Spec/4 Peter R. Hansen; and brother-in-law, Dr. Peter R. Hansen.
And on a personal note: “As I look back, I thank God that I was born into a Christian family who early brought me to the baptismal font where I became a member of God’s family and for all the faithful pastors, Christian friends and co-workers and loving family members who have been a blessing to me. I am thankful most of all for my Savior who died and rose that I might have eternal life here on earth and now go to be with Him in the Home He has prepared for me. My prayer is that we will all meet in Heaven.”
Kathryn Mae became a member of God’s family when she was baptized on May 9, 1920, at Salem Lutheran Church (ALC) in Jackson, MN., sponsored by her Uncle Ed Tessien and Auntie Agnes (Miller) Raasch. She confirmed her faith on September 8, 1935, also at Salem Lutheran Church.
She attended rural district #14, graduated from Jackson High School in 1938 and from the Lutheran Bible Institute in Minneapolis in 1940. She then went on to take a two year business training at JHS.
Kathryn was employed by her father in his insurance office from 1940 to 1948. She then moved to Minneapolis where she was a secretary at the Lutheran Welfare Office, now Lutheran Social Services from 1948 to 1951. She was a clerk in the LBI bookstore from 1951 to 1955, a secretary to the Associate Youth Director of the Youth Department of the Augustana Synod from 1955 to 1962. After the formation of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA), Kathryn was a secretary to an Assistant to the Bishop of the Minnesota Synod from 1962 to 1986.
Kathryn’s church membership was in Salem, Jackson, from 1920-1950; in Bethany, Minneapolis, from 1950-1957; Messiah, Minneapolis, from 1957-2004; and First English, Ortonville, from 2004.
Kathryn was a member of the Luther League, taught Sunday School, served on the Messiah Altar Guild for 18 years, a member of various church circles and committees, ushered, greeted, a communion assistant, a communion visitor to shut-ins, and chair of the Messiah Outreach Committee.
Kathryn’s interests included, reading, attending concerts, traveling, sports (obtaining an autograph in a personal meeting with Harmon Killebrew, was a highlight), and writing notes and letters. Her interest in politics began early in life when she actively participated in ‘campaigning’ for Herbert Hoover in 1928!
In 1994 she compiled a Family History – aided tremendously by material from a relative, her brother and cousin Lyle. Known to her family as “Kay” – she appreciated their love and care and concern for her. She enjoyed her nieces and nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews (although some were too far away for much contact). It was reassuring to know that her name will be carried on by Anne Kathryn Hansen-Tonn, Emma Kathryn Tessien, and Kathryn (Katie) Marie Hansen.
In 2004 Kathryn and Martha Halsten moved to Ortonville where Kathryn continued to be Martha’s caregiver until her death on March 9, 2008.
Kathryn is survived by her brother, Dr. Robert (Rita) Tessien of Springfield; sister, Ruth M. Hansen of Ortonville; aunt, Leonora Miller of Austin; nieces, Patricia A (Norbert) Walter, Beth M. Hansen, Anne K. (David) Hansen-Tonn; nephews, James R. (Sandra) Tessien, Kurt L (Dori) Hansen, Robert D. (Anne) Tessien; fourteen great nieces and nephews; fourteen great-great nieces and nephews; cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Leuie and Alma Tessien; nephew, Spec/4 Peter R. Hansen; and brother-in-law, Dr. Peter R. Hansen.
And on a personal note: “As I look back, I thank God that I was born into a Christian family who early brought me to the baptismal font where I became a member of God’s family and for all the faithful pastors, Christian friends and co-workers and loving family members who have been a blessing to me. I am thankful most of all for my Savior who died and rose that I might have eternal life here on earth and now go to be with Him in the Home He has prepared for me. My prayer is that we will all meet in Heaven.”