Gerard Lawrence Tessens of Bloomfield, son of the late Lawrence A. and Delia Grace Burleson Tessens, was born in Louisville, Kentucky on March 7, 1953, passed away at Southeast Health of Stoddard County in Dexter, Missouri on April 21, 2019, at the age of 66 years, 1 month and 14 days.

Gerard had lived in Bloomfield most of his life. He had worked in drafting at Stites Concrete and retired after 30 years. He then worked in maintenance for thirteen years at the Bloomfield Public Schools. He was a member of the Dexter Church of Christ, he enjoyed history and collecting antiques..

On June 10, 1983, he was married to Shirley S. White in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley Tessens of Bloomfield; two daughters, Laura Tessens of Dexter and fiance' David Powell of Lineville, Alabama, Dana Abston and husband Chance of Oran. Other relatives and friends also survive.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at 11:00 am at the Watkins and Sons Chapel in Dexter with Bro. Jeremy Tucker of Dexter officiating.

Interment will follow in the Hagy Cemetery in Dexter with Watkins and Sons Funeral Home of Dexter in charge of arrangements.

The family asks that donations be made to the Bootheel Youth Camp, 201 Adams Dr., Dexter MO 63841.