Carol M. Tessendorf, age 82, passed away on Wednesday November 15, 2017 at her home. She was born on October 31, 1935 in Freeport, IL to Wilbur and Ruth (Otte) Lapp.

She married Fred Tessendorf on December 6, 1953 at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Lena. She farmed beside her husband and they raised their eight children, plus many more. She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, the Ladies Aid and Church Choir. Carol held officer positions at the church, taught Sunday school and confirmation classes. She also volunteered her time at My Friends Closet. Carol enjoyed sewing and quilting, and she donated many of those quilts. Carol also enjoyed gardening.

She is survived by her husband Fred of Lena, eight children; Dennis (Paula) Tessendorf of Lena, Deborah (Doug) Bergman of Flagstaff, AZ, Susan (Harvey) Blair of Warren, Allen (Mary) Tessendorf of Lena, Thomas (Janine) Tessendorf of Kent, Christine (Timothy) Wulfekuhle of Winslow, David (Kimberly) Tessendorf of Monticello, WI and Fred Jr. (Jessica) Tessendorf of Lena. 23 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her twin brother Darrell Lapp of Lena. Numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, son-in-law Rex Splinter and special cousin Ethel Baysinger, who held a special place for 40 years in Carol's life from early childhood on.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday November 20, 2017 with a visitation from 10:00 till time of service at St. John's Lutheran Church in Lena.

Visitation will be from 4:00 till 8:00 PM on Sunday November 19, 2017 at St. John's Lutheran Church.

Officiating will be Pastor Rick Bader.

Interment will be at Lena Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established for the Monroe Clinic Hospice.