Howard Jude Tesmer

Howard Tesmer passed away peacefully on July 24, 2021 at the age of 90 while staying at the LuNa Hospice
House in Nampa, Idaho. He was born on August 29, 1930 in West Allis, Wisconsin. He attended Don Bosco
High School in Milwaukee and upon graduation in 1948, he moved with his parents to Fresno, California.
Howard served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant stationed in Germany until honorably discharged in 1952 from
the 4th Inf. DIV APO 39. He was very proud to have served in the military and always flew the American Flag
outside his home, on his golf cart and even on his electric scooter. He was always seen wearing his U.S.
Army Veteran hat.
Howard met his future bride Elizabeth "Bette" Harpain in 1953 at a St. John's Cathedral Youth Club event.
They were married on February 9, 1954 at St. John's Cathedral in Fresno, Ca. and started a family raising two
daughters, Suzanne and Linda. They resided in Fresno until moving to Visalia, Ca. in 1996 to be closer to
family. Howard retired as an accountant owning his own business, Tesmer's Accounting and Bookkeeping,
for many years. Having worked as an accountant for Valley Foundry under Leon S. Peters for many years, he
acquired the knowledge and experience to enable him to run his own business.
When his youngest daughter Linda and her husband Mark moved to Star, Idaho in 2015, Howard and Bette
loved the idea and followed them to Idaho as well. Howard and Bette moved to Eagle, Idaho and lived at
Edgewood Spring Creek Eagle Island retirement community. There they had their own patio home and made
many new friends. Howard loved going to Happy Hour, playing Bingo and just socializing with everyone. You
would often see him driving his golf cart or electric scooter around the community to check things out and
go to lunch and dinner in the main building of their community.
Filled with compassion and respect for others, Howard made many friends and maintained one friendship in
particular for several years lasting until the day he passed. Skip Webb and Howard used to meet one day
each week in Visalia, Ca for a hamburger and a martini to talk about life and world problems. This tradition
carried on even after Howard had moved to Idaho. Howard and Skip called each other on the phone every
Saturday to talk and have that martini. The last time they were able to do this was exactly one week before
Howard passed. He really enjoyed his conversations with Skip and just hearing his voice brought a big smile
to his face.
Howard had many hobbies but some that he was truly passionate about were gardening and woodworking.
He made several items for friends and family including some beautiful china hutches and tables. He loved
playing bridge. He and Bette belonged to several bridge clubs throughout the years. They had many camping
trips with family and friends going to Dinky Creek in the Sierra's in central California. They also made several
trips each year to Cambria, Ca. to relax and enjoy the ocean views at their favorite place, Cambria Shores
Inn. They also took several ocean cruises to beautiful destinations.
Howard and Bette loved spending time with their grandchildren, Matt and Jackie especially taking them
bowling and out to eat Chinese food. They attended many of their soccer games and loved cheering them on.
Howard belonged to several service clubs. The Optimist Club of Fresno, serving as president from 1981 -
1982 and treasurer from 1994 - 1995. He earned many appreciation awards for his participation in the
Comprehensive Youth Services. He also was presented with the Optimist International "Life Member" award.
Howard was a member of the Visalia Host Lions Club. He was chosen "Lion of the Year" in 1998 - 1999. He
served as the club president in 2002 - 2003 which took Howard and Bette to the International Lions Club
event in Japan, hosted by the MiKi Lions. He served as the club treasurer until May of 2014. He was given the
Melvin Jones Fellowship award for all of his contributions at a Lions Club event that his family proudly
attended.
Howard was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Bette" Tesmer, his parents Richard and Blanch Tesmer
and his brother Jack Tesmer. Survivors include his brothers Donald Tesmer and Dick Tesmer, his daughters
Suzanne Luciano Tejada (Fernando) from Lakeside, Ca., Linda Davidson (Mark) from Star, Idaho, grandson
Matthew Davidson of Visalia, Ca., granddaughter Jackie Davidson of Visalia, Ca., along with great
grandchildren Kayden, Kamille, Victoria and Verner plus many nieces and nephews.
Interment will be October 4th, 2021 at 2:00 PM at The Idaho State Veterans Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.
The family of Howard Tesmer would like to thank all at Edgewood Spring Creek Eagle Island retirement
community for the abundance of kindness for the last six years. Special heartfelt thanks to all the staff at
LuNa Hospice House in Nampa, Idaho for all of the joy, laughter and very competent and compassionate
caregiving I have ever seen. In what was a very stressful and sad time, you all made this just perfect for my
dad. Serving him his meals on china dishes and cooking food exactly like he wanted it! Devin Ritchie, you
and your comfort dog Stitch will forever be in our hearts as you treated my dad with respect, amazing end of
life medical care, holding his hand while visiting him on your days off and also giving him the nickname
"Howdy". (Howard loved watching westerns 24/7). Most appreciated is dedicating the beautiful gardens in the
backyard of the LuNa Hospice House to dad. It will be called "Tesmer's Garden". A plaque with his name and
picture engraved on it will hang in the garden so his memory will live on. Also want to thank Keystone
Hospice and Marcy from Granny on the Go for guiding me, supporting me and giving me the much needed
hugs through a most difficult time. You all are God's special angels.
Dad simply accepted what life gave him. He never complained, except for bad or over cooked food!
Dad always had a listening ear and was always ready to help.
He had a big heart and lots of love to share.
He believed in me, trusted me and gave me strength.
First and foremost he loved the Lord. Always offered to pray for my friends or loved ones.
Family was very important to him and he blessed us every day.
He was a big influence in my life and I loved him.
He was my dad!
LD