Maurice TESSIER

Maurice Tessier 1923-2010

Maurice Joseph Tessier, 86, of Hermantown passed away peacefully Aug. 1, 2010. He was born Sept. 2, 1923, to Joseph and Berthe Tessier in Duluth. He grew up in West Duluth and graduated from St. Jeans School in 1941. He worked at the Telegraph Company where he delivered telegrams by bicycle throughout the city of Duluth. He started his career with the Northern Pacific Railway in 1942, working various positions, spending the majority of his time as a freight agent until retiring as a transportation supervisor from the BNSF in 1987. Maurie's career as a railroader was interrupted by World War II, when he served in the Navy on the U.S.S. Revenge. Maurie was very proud of his time as a serviceman for which he swept enemy mines for allied ships. Following the surrender of the Japanese, Maurie and his crewmen led a "V" formation into Tokyo Bay to clear the way to victory for the American forces on the morning of Aug. 28, 1945. He served from 1943-1946. Maurice was a member of St. Lawrence Church and the French Club and volunteered for nearly 50 years as a board and credit committee member at the Northern Pacific Credit Union. He spent many years coaching youth sports teams in Hermantown including hockey and baseball. He enjoyed playing golf, proudly watching his children and grandchildren in their various extra curricular activities and napping in his favorite chair. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Eileen; and their son, Phillip. He is survived by his children, Gary (Mary) Tessier, Anne (Clyde) Larson, Paul Tessier, Adrienne (John) Sobczak, Carolyn (Matt) Katzmarek and Michael (Michelle) Tessier; grandchildren Scott, Eric, and Corey Larson, Brandon, Matthew (Allison) and Holly Sobczak, Nichole and Benjamin Tessier and Hailey and Mariah Kratt; brothers Ray (Pat) Tessier, Lawrence (Connie) Tessier and Joe (Julie) Tessier; sisters Sis (Danny) Boone and Gen (Sarge) Larson; brothers and sisters-in-law Evelyn Weber, Myrt Carlson and Richard (Katie) Fournier; and many niece and nephews.
VISITATION: Wake Prayers Thursday, Aug. 5, and 10 to 11 a.m. service Friday, Aug. 6, in St. Lawrence Church, 2410 Morris Thomas Road. Burial with Military Honors accorded by the Duluth Combine Honor Guard at Calvary Cemetery. Arrangements by the Dougherty Funeral Home.