Kenneth Carl Tess

Tess, Kenneth Carl Died on July 23, 2006 after a long and fruitful life. Born on Nov. 19, 1923 in Milwaukee, he grew up and lived his entire life in the Milwaukee metropolitan area. He was admired for his hard work, kindness and extraordinary loyalty. He grew up on the south side where he pedaled papers. Music was always a large part of his life. He graduated in 1942 from South Division High School where he played flute and piccolo in the school band. He was a proud member of the Milwaukee Symphony Youth Orchestra and the Wauwatosa Recreation Band. During World War II he served in the Army 604th Field Artillery Battalion, 10th Mountain Division; he attained the rank of sergeant and was decorated for his meritorious service in combat. In May of 1946 he married Delores Krauska. They were married 56 years until her death in 2003. During his career he worked at Harnischfeger, Holtz Gears and Sprockets and finally at Nordberg/Rexnord Manufacturing where he was a manager in charge of tooling services and supplies. He graduated from Milwaukee Institute if Technology with an Associate degree in Applied Science and Technical/Mechanical Engineering. Later he taught evening courses there. He enjoyed woodworking, home improvement projects, chess, reading history, cycling and following politics and current events. He was an active member of St. Ignatius Parish, where he served as president of the Holy Name Society, and St. Charles Borromeo Parish. In 1984 he was diagnosed with leukemia which he fought bravely and eventually defeated. He was a strong and positive influence on many people, especially his children; Eileen Tess Johnston, John (Tiffany) Tess, Deborah (Richard) Pendzik and Lynn (John Sullivan) Tess, who will miss him dearly. Ken is also survived by 5 grandchildren; Andrew Johnston, Rachel Tess, Stephen Johnston, Patrick Tess and Jessica Pendzik, his brother Robert (Janice) Tess and sister Audrey Drilias, nieces and nephews. During the last three years Ken lived at Harbour House. His family wants to acknowledge and thank the staff of Harbour House who have shown their father kindness and love, as if he were a part of their own families. The staff truly consists of very special people. The Tess family also thanks the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association Hospice Care who gave comfort to Ken and the family during the last weeks of his life. ''Ken, better known as Maestro Tess, just adored notes---not love, but half, eighth and sixteenth notes. When all is drear, lend an ear to a toot on a flute. He piped it sweetly''. Memorial Mass 10:00 AM Sat. July 29th at ST. CHARLES BORROMEO CATHOLIC CHURCH , 3214 W. Parnell Ave. Inurnment Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Visitation at the church from 9:00 AM.