Andrew Tessier

Andrew A. Tessier, 98 died Sunday morning August 24, 2008 at Bethany Nursing Home, Fargo North Dakota. Andrew was a resident of Bethany Nursing Home for 6 ? years. Andrew was born September 2nd, 1909 on the Tessier homestead farm at Wild Rice, North Dakota to parents Ovide and Priscilla (Sauvageau) Tessier. He attended St. Benedicts School. After the death of his father in 1922, under the guidance and direction of his mother, Andrew, 12 and his brother Henry, 14 farmed the land and tended the cows. Andrew at age 28 left the farm and moved to Fargo. He married Berniece Grandbois on February 7, 1938. Andrew retired from the Northern Pacific Railroad Express, Fargo after 25 years of dedicated employment. Andrew was a self taught carpenter, handyman and jack of all trades. With the help of his wife Berniece, in the 1950?s he built a family home at 1518 8th Avenue South, Fargo and a summer cottage on Rose Lake, Frazee Minnesota. Andrew was a gentle loving husband and father. He was proud of his wife and family, and enjoyed the many social gatherings and celebrations in his home and especially at the lake cottage. He liked to fish, garden, and was always fixing or involved in some type of project for his family, and neighbors. After his retirement he and Berniece were volunteers at St. Vincent DePaul. Andrew is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Berniece , 4 daughters, 1 son, 12 grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren. Jacqueline Carol Keller, Colorado Springs, Greg Keller (Patty) and Andy McMinn, Monument,CO, Mike Keller (Janie) and Lydia. West Fargo. ND, Diane Bachmeier (Marvin), Crookston, MN, Brian Bachmeier( Sarah) Matthew and Hannah, Plymouth, MN, Tim Bachmeier (Lisa Phelen), Jarett and Alicia Thelen, Maple Grove, Sara Uglum (Rick) Madeline, Andrew, Chanhassen, MN. Renee Dulski ( Bernie), Alexandria, MN, Joel Dulski (Dawn), Benjamin, Fergus Falls, MN. Steve Dulski (Wendy), Mason, Sophie, Sartell, MN. Andrea Uhde (Jason), Gracie, Chloie, Garfield, MN, Sandy Tessier (Chuck Andersen), Denver, CO, Ronce Welch, Denver, Tina Welch, LaFayette, CO. Gary Tessier (Peggy), Angela Wahlberg (Ryan), Mpls. MN, Ashley Rusnak (Mark), Seattle, WA. Andrew was preceded in death by son in law Wendell Keller, and all of his brothers and sisters. Anthony (Brother Alphonse) Leon (Pete), Henry, Anna ( Maurice) Tessier, Ernestine Montplaisir / Kaluza, Rose (Eugene) Tessier, Palma Joyal (Joe) and Lucy Hussey (Spud). A devoted and gentle man, he will be missed by his loving wife, family, friends, and Bethany Home staff who provided him tender, considerate care. Visitation: 5-7pm, Prayer Service 7 pm , Thursday, August 28th, Boulger Funeral Home Funeral Mass: Friday August 29th, 2 pm St. Anthony?s Catholic Church, Fargo Interment: St. Benedicts Church Cemetery, Wild Rice, ND Online guestbook at: www.boulgerfuneralhome.com