Obituary for Butch Dean Tessmer

Butch Dean Tessmer, born as Walter Dean Tessmer in Sumner, Iowa on October 4, 1948, to Dean and Marie Tessmer, passed away unexpectedly as the result of a farming accident on July 8, 2025. He publicly proclaimed the Lordship of Jesus Christ over his life when he was baptized as a Believer in 2014.

A Memorial Visitation will be held on Saturday, July 19 at Elgin First Baptist Church in Elgin, Iowa, beginning at 9:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon.

Butch’s character will be remembered for his love for his wife, children, and especially for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a wonderful husband, a wise father, and an indulgent grandfather.  

He is survived by his soul mate and wife of 53 years Jeanne (Preuss) Tessmer; their children Shawn (Katie), Paula (Ray) Carlson, and Joe (Amy). Butch is also survived by eight grandchildren, Josie, Dylan, Liam, Rowan, Emily, Asher, Jocelyn, Lucinda, and three great-grandchildren; siblings Sally (Russ) Schlatter, Mike aka “T-Bone” (Gloria), and Jay Tessmer; along with several nephews & nieces. Butch was deeply involved with and cherished by his Jeanne’s family; brothers-in-law, Lee, Dennis (Ann) Preuss; sisters-in-law Lynn (Stan) Staats, Lori (Jim) Herman, Peggy (Dan) Osborn, Kathy (Bill) Wagner, Shelia (Bob) Burgin, and Jo (Darren) Larson, and many nephews and nieces.

Butch was preceded in death by his parents; sister Susan Coiner; his parents-in-law Harold and Nell Preuss and sister’s-in-law Donna (Dan) Hague and Beth Lecky.

He was a Vietnam Veteran having served in the U.S. Army from 1969 through 1970. During his time of service, he attained the rank of Specialist E5.

Butch was truly a man of many skills. In his career, he was employed in cartage and as a machinist. The aspect of his career he was most proud of was working for the Donaldson Corporation where he worked for more than 20 years as a heavy press operator and in the maintenance department. Butch served his community on the school board for the Valley Community School District from 1986-1988. More recently, he assisted Elgin Baptist Church in constructing the new building. Butch was a Christ follower and a member of Elgin First Baptist Church where he would treat the children with candy on Sunday mornings. He also joined his church in a mission trip to Kosovo.

He was an outdoorsman with an adventurous spirit. In his younger years, Butch trapped fur and was an avid hunter, later he enjoyed caring for a frequently rotating menagerie of animals including steers, sheep, chickens, turkeys, horses, and dogs. Butch completed RAGBRI at the age of 62 in 2010 and walked a significant portion of the Appalachian Trail in 2016. He and Jeanne vacationed all over the country.

Other much-loved hobbies were riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and expressing his love of Rural Iowa Culture buy riding motorcycles and horses along with operating his antique tractors. Butch also loved to scrounge. He was often bringing home loads of junk from auctions and things given to him by friends.

Anyone who knows him will remember his great sense of humor. His lightning-fast wit was a hallmark of his interactions with others. Butch was generous, exemplifying the cheerful giver. He was always hospitable to family and friends. Butch was a man of integrity often choosing to do the thing that is right rather than the thing that is easy. He was a hard worker in both his career and hobbies. Butch would never say no when his wife would volunteer him to help others, and afterward he took great satisfaction with the completed task. However, he would usually have a moment of reluctant resolve when told she had, “volunteered,” him.

Butch was a constant steady presence who will be missed and remembered. He was, is, and forever will be loved.

All memorials will be made to Elgin First Baptist Church.