Otto Tessmer

Otto Everett Tessmer passed away peacefully in Alexandria, MN on Friday, November 27, 2020.

“Sweet Loveable Evy” (as he liked to be called) was born on April 27, 1932, in Alexandria Minnesota to Otto and Sofy (Haugdahl) Tessmer.  On April 18, 1959, he married Mary Jill Fordham. They raised a son, John, and two daughters, Paula and Karla.

His extensive flying career began in the Navy in 1954. Everett spent most of his Naval career instructing in Pensacola Florida. He claimed that his navy career saved him after two attempts at obtaining a college degree, one at the University of Minnesota and another at St. Olaf in Northfield, MN.  When asked why he left these institutions, he would reply, “I was not kicked out. Rather, I was asked to never return.”

After leaving the Navy, he was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1957 and retired in April of 1992.  He flew as Captain on the 727, 707 & DC10. During his 35 year career, he was a respected instructor and the FAA-designated Check Airman for orals and type ratings on the DC10. In 1970, he was elected by ALPA (Airline Pilots Association) to serve on the Master Executive Council at Northwest Airlines.  He retired as the number one seniority pilot on the DC-10.

When not working, Everett loved the game of golf, especially the grudge matches that included his late brother Bob, his son John and his nephews. One of his greatest golf achievements was playing Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Master’s, courtesy of his beloved niece Anne-Marie Dobbs.

Everett was best known for his marvelous sense of humor. He was given the title “The King of Wit” as he always had a hilarious comeback to any joke. However, he was not known for being handy around the house. For example, when asked by a neighbor who was fixing a boat motor to bring him a screwdriver, Ev promptly returned with vodka and orange juice.  It was 8:30 a.m.

Mostly, he loved his family. While gregarious and social most of his life, in his later years, all he wanted was to be near his children and grandchildren. He will be so greatly missed.

Night Night, Bye-Bye, See Ya, Morning, Love You.

He is survived by his three children, John Tessmer, Paula Olhausen, and Karla Jones, and seven grandchildren, Allen, Laura and Bob Tessmer, Adam and Ashley Olhausen and Jackson and Sophie Jones, his brother Ken Tessmer and wife Tolly, and many adoring cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A private funeral service will be held Friday, December 4, 2020 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alexandria, MN. Inurnment will be at Kinkead Cemetery in Alexandria.This service will be live-streamed and recorded for family and friends to view from Ev’s obituary page on the Anderson Funeral Home website at noon on Friday.

A celebration of Ev’s fun-filled life will occur this summer in Alexandria.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Assoc for Frontotemporal Degeneration.  theartd.org

Send any further communications to the Tessmer Family, PO Box 714 Wayzata, MN 55391