E. Dean Tessier, 97, of Galesburg, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Dean was born on September 12, 1925 at home in Berwick Township. He was the son of Ezra J. and Grace (Stevenson) Tessier. Dean married Alice Churchill on October 31, 1948 in London Mills. Together they celebrated a marriage that would last 47 years before she preceded him in death on February 6, 1995. He would later marry Mona Wilmot on July 7, 1999 in Washington, IL. Together they celebrated 24 years of marriage. Dean is survived by his loving wife, Mona, at home; children, Shelley (Don) Ryner of Knoxville; Max Kent Tessier and Aaron (Stacy Schafer) Tessier, both of Galesburg; stepchildren, Mark Wilmot of Galesburg, Matt (Dorothy) Wilmot of Rio, Michael Wilmot of Sandwich and Marcie Rud of Galesburg; siblings, Max Tessier of Washington, IL, Loren Tessier of London Mills and Judy Anderson of Avon; six grandchildren, four stepgrandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and four step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice, son Keith, grandson Bryan Joseph Ryner and siblings, Audrey Rudloff and Dale Tessier.
Dean graduated from school in London Mills. He retired from Midland Coal Company as a big shovel operator. Dean also farmed just East of Gilson when he wasn’t working in the mine. He was a member of the Gilson Community Church. A 76 year member of the Masonic Lodge; being inducted into the London Mills Masonic Lodge on March 5, 1947 and then transferring his membership to the Illinois A.F. & A.M Pacific Lodge #66 in Knoxville. He was also the Financial Record Secretary for the Coal Miners Local for many years. He enjoyed traveling with Mona, and their coffee group meetings at Finley’s with their friends. Dean was a selfless man of very few words with a quirky sense of humor who loved his family tremendously.
Cremation rites will be accorded. Graveside services will be 10:00 AM, Saturday, May 20, 2023 at the Gilson Cemetery. Rev. Danny England will officiate. A celebration of life will follow from 12-3 PM, Saturday May 20, 2023 at the Pacific Lodge #66, A.F. & A.M, 149 Public Square, Knoxville, IL. Memorials may be made to the family. Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes & Crematory, Knoxville have been entrusted with his arrangements. On-line condolences and/or expressions of sympathy may be sent through www.hurd-hendricksfuneralhome.com
