Moonyean Tessmer

Moonyean “Moony” Clare Tessmer, age 83 of Athens, passed peacefully into her heavenly home on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Moony was born on November 2, 1941, in Glendive, Mont., the daughter of Joseph and Pauline (Fisher) Braunbeck. After graduating from Sacred Heart High School, she attended the Miles City School of Beauty.

Moony married the love of her life, Jerome “Jerry” Tessmer on August 8,1961, in Miles City, Mont. Married for 46 years, together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with five cherished children. Jerry preceded her in death on July 6, 2007.

Throughout her life, Moony held various jobs, including working as a bartender and janitor, but her greatest dedication was driving school bus — a role she proudly held for 38 years. She took joy in serving her community and caring for the children she transported each day. Moony was also a devoted usher at St. Anthony’s Church for many years, faithfully serving her parish with warmth and commitment.

Moony had a creative spirit and enjoyed a wide range of hobbies, including ceramics, leatherworking and crocheting. She had a deep love for animals and cared for many beloved pets throughout her life. In her free time, she found joy in bowling, cruising around town, scratch-off tickets and cracking a good joke.

Family was always the most important part of Moony’s life. One of her favorite traditions was the annual “sisters trip” to Deadwood, S.D., where they made cherished memories together and shared plenty of laughter while trying their luck at the casinos. Moony adored her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, and treasured every moment spent with her children. She will be sadly missed. Moony is survived by her five children: Kathy (Randy Hess) Drewek, Kim (Gary) Drewek, Kris (Scott) Schilling, David (Sherri) Tessmer and Doug (Michelle Lee) Tessmer; ten grandchildren: Matt Schilling, Kayla (Brodie) Bunkelman, Emily (Doug) Wagner, Becky (Casey) Wissink, Jordon (Rylee) Tessmer, Chelsee (Max) Stange, Darin Tessmer, Tara (Eric) Fox, Ashley (Jason) Mertens and Ross (Brittany) Lee; eight great-grandchildren: Zander and Sophia Wagner, Kasen Tessmer, Baby Stange due to arrive in September, Brylie Fox, Mckinley, Steele and Maeven Mertens, Emma and Abby Lee. She is further survived by her sister, Shirley Sorlie, two sisters-in-law: Boni Braunbeck and Cheryl Eckert and three brothers-in-law: Vic Novak, Ray Steen Jr. and Tony Eckert.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and brother Joe Braunbeck Jr. She is further preceded in death by several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Family and friends are welcome from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m., Thursday June 12, 2025, for visitation at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens. Visitation will resume at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 13, 2025, at St Anthony’s Catholic Church in Athens. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Father George Graham will preside. Interment to follow at the Athens Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include Matt Schilling, Jordon Tessmer, Darin Tessmer, Brodie Bunkelman, Doug Wagner, Cassey Wissink and Max Stange.

The Maurina-Schilling Funeral Home in Abbotsford is entrusted with the arrangements.

Family and friends may express condolences online at www. maurinaschilling.com. paid obituary 170105