Dorothy Eleanor Tesmer

Dorothy Eleanor Tesmer, 101, died on Sunday, May 3, 2020, having kept her Christian faith for more than a century. Her positive outlook through good and tough times, her constant encouragement, and her limitless love will continue to be the gentle wind beneath her family's wings. The true-life stories she shared will long be retold. Her wealth of homespun poetry will be passed to new generations. Dorothy loved the possibilities of each new day. She loved the everchanging wonders of nature. She especially loved doing whatever kindness she could do. Dorothy faithfully carried her well-worn study Bible to Northeast Christian Church where she worshiped and took part in its seniors' group.

Dorothy's dearest loves were Walter, to whom she was married for fifty-two years until his death in 1992, and their fifty descendants, including five daughters. Each name is carefully entered in her large family Bible. Dorothy was born on August 6, 1918 at her parents farm in Wayne, County, IL. She wrote "Mama's Seven" as a reflection of treasured childhood memories. 

Mama's Seven

Mama always said that we were seven, 

Three boys, three girls, and a baby boy in Heaven.

Country life was what my mama knew, 

She gardened, canned, and knew where the largest berries grew.

Memories linger, scents of bread and pies that filled the air,

Her hand so cool when we were sick. Her tender care.

She always watched for us to come home and perhaps in Heaven,

She watches even more now, to welcome home her seven.

- Dorothy Tesmer

Dorothy's family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Seniors on the Go at Northeast Christian Church. 

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