Joanne Louise Tessmer

Joanne Louise Tessmer passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on October 31, 1937, in Phoenix, Arizona, to John Lewis and Mary Agnes Kamrar.
Joanne attended St. Francis Xavier and North High School, where she forged lifelong friendships and excelled academically. After high school, she pursued higher education at Phoenix College and Arizona State University, graduating in January 1960. Her dedication to her studies and passion for helping others led her to a fulfilling career as a hospital dietitian at Good Samaritan Hospital. 

On October 22, 1960, Joanne married Charles (Chuck) Tessmer, a handsome young fellow from Iowa. Together, they built an incredible life that encompassed 64 years of marriage. Earl John (Mary Lou Rice), the first-born grandson on both sides, joined their family in November 1961. Next was Cynthia (Joe Anderson) in October 1962. The final member of this Fab Five family was Charlene (Ron Kiesling), making her entrance in June 1966. Because Chuck was foreman on a road construction crew, he was gone all week, so Joanne packed up the kids and followed suit. The family lived in Scottsdale (AZ), Camp Verde (AZ), Moriarty (NM), St. George (UT), Waucoma (IA), and Cedar Rapids (IA). In 2004, they joined the Snowbirds Club, spending four months in Iowa during the summer and eight months in Arizona during the winter. Joanne was a proud member of The First Families of Arizona. 

Joanne’s other favorite titles were Grandma Jo and G.G. She was blessed with ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Earl's children are Haley Marie, Michael (Sidney), and Madison Tessmer. Haley Joan and Samantha Anderson are Cindy’s daughters. Jessica (Chris) Wegner, Lindsay (Tyler) Reagan, Mackenzie White, Alec (Kaitlynn) White, and Aubrie Kiesling are Charlene’s family. Lane Wegner and Laken White are the beginning of the third-generation legacy. 

Joanne's professional journey was marked by a diverse and impactful array of roles. She began as a hospital dietitian, sharing her expertise in nutrition and health. Later, she moved to Iowa to work the family farm, where they raised or grew everything they ate. In her 'spare time,' she ran the kitchens at the Chickasaw County Home and Northeast Iowa Area Agency on Aging. 

When asked about her most significant legacies, she immediately said her children and her gift at the sewing machine. Joanne was a talented seamstress, creating beautiful garments, quilts, and crafts. For 45 years, she designed and created quilts for her family members and enjoyed being a member of the All Saints Quilt Group for over two decades. 
Above all, Joanne was a devoted homemaker, mother, and wife. Her family was the center of her world, and she took immense pride in caring for them. Her kindness, generosity, and unwavering support were the foundation of her family's happiness and success. 

Joanne's kind spirit and generous heart touched the lives of many. She was known for her smile, compassionate nature, and unwavering dedication to her family, friends, and community. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. 

Joanne is survived by her beloved husband, Charles, children, grandchildren, siblings John Kamrar, Karen Kamrar, and Gail Lorenzen, and a host of family and friends who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved sister, Teri Kamrar. 

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 9, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with a rosary at 6 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Road,  A Roman Catholic Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Luke's Church at 19644 N 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85027, to celebrate Joanne's life. Interment will follow at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Rd in Phoenix.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke’s Catholic Church in memory of Joanne.