Gene Addison Tesmer, age 66, of Knob Noster passed away Sunday, April 11, 2021 in the comfort of his own home surrounded by family and friends.

Gene was born March 20, 1955 in Harmony, MN the son of Allen and Arlene (McNee) Tesmer.

On April 3, 1976, he and Diane Helland were united in marriage in Hesper, IA. Gene was a very loving and attentive husband, father and grandfather.  All who knew him knew his selfless commitment to providing for his family in each endeavor and for his "dad jokes."

Gene was born a farmer and continued to farm for 5 yrs before joining the USAF, where he served for 22 years. Upon retirement from the USAF he was a devoted substitute teacher for many years, until taking up trucking for Schneider National for 16 years.

Gene enjoyed serving the community at the 2 ^nd Saturday breakfasts held at the Knob Noster United Methodist Church.  He could be heard by many singing in the kitchen as he worked.  He sang in the choir for many years and was devoted to his church family.  He loved getting out to ride in his Honda Shadow, riding it in all kinds of weather.  Gene loved watching old musicals and these were usually the songs he sang in the kitchen Saturday mornings.  He loved watching football with his daughter Danielle when the Minnesota Vikings played the Green Bay Packers.

Gene is survived by his wife, Diane; his children, Danielle Tesmer of Pace, Fl and Chelsea Tesmer of Knob  Noster, and his grandchildren, Izayah Gene Tesmer, Brackston Mikkel Tesmer and Aubree Diane Tesmer, of Pace, Fl. He is also survived by a brother, James "Jim" Tesmer of Rochester, MN; his sister Joy (Tesmer) Baker of Minneapolis, MN and sister-in-law Kathy (Jerrold) Tesmer. Gene has 17 nieces and nephews along with 27 great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Arlene Tesmer, Step-Mother Deloris Tesmer, one brother Jerrold "Jerry" Tesmer, and one sister Julie Tesmer.

Funeral services will held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, 2021 at Knob Noster United Methodist Church. Due to Covid restrictions, we ask that only close family attend the funeral; the service will be streamed through the KNUMC facebook page. The family will gladly receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at the Sweeney-Phillips & Holdren Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Knob Noster United Methodist Church and can be left in care of the funeral home or church.