Donald Tesmer

He was the loving husband of the late Bernice "Bea" Tesmer (nee Survillas), loving and supportive father to Diane (Michael) Hughes, Patricia DiCastro (Wayne) Gajdzinski and Donald Jr., loving and dedicated grandfather to Laura, Nikki (Ted), Raymond, Justin, Mary and Nikko and Teddy as well as 6 other great grandchildren.

Donald was born April 09, 1931, in Chicago, IL to the late Edward and Mary (Landgraf) Tesmer. He was the youngest of eight children, six sisters and one brother. Don was born in his family's home at 1837 West 21st Street and remained in the neighborhood and proudly purchased his 1st building/property at the age of 21. He then purchased 5006 S. Christiana and built his family's home where he and Bea raised their children and grandchildren. Don took great pride in his home and hosted many families get together and fondly remembered New Year's Eve parties with his siblings, friends and family. Many memories were made on his shiny red bar top, and his grandchildren will claim he made the best kiddie cocktails to date. The family will forever hold memories that were made during holidays, birthday celebrations, visits and just fun pool days.

As a proud general contractor, business owner and landlord, Don made a lasting impact in the real estate community. For decades, he demonstrated hard work and true integrity and never losing site of the value of living life and his family. Don showed us how to live a balanced life through his charismatic, charming and magnetic personality. His wanderlust to travel the world with his wife and their lifelong friends, the late Edward and Helen Kowalski. Whether it was the Caribbean, an Alaskan cruise, Hawaii, Mexico or Las Vegas he enjoyed every second. He often talked of the romantic evenings watching a gorgeous sunset and embracing his blessings with the love of his life. The fab four often traveled to Vegas, his kids and grandkids will tell you from an early age his famous line "If I win big, I'll send a jet for the family." For decades, Don, Bea, Eddie & Helen not only traveled together they went out just about every weekend for dinner and dancing. Don loved to dance! He danced just as he lived, a guy with major dance moves and well into his late 80's could last on the dance floor longer than most.

After the loss of his beloved wife in 1997, Don remained in their Wisconsin home and kept himself busy driving to Chicago and staying with his son, Donny then his granddaughter Nikki. He enjoyed his grandkids immensely and spending long weekends on Lake Como, playing cards and games with his great grandchildren, showing the 3rd and 4th generations some country living. The past 2 decades he spent his time with Donny, Nikki and their children and had a permanent room at each home. He enjoyed visits from his daughters, friends and family. In 2016, Don was thrilled to spend his winters in Arizona with family and escape the cold. Since early 2024 Don felt fortunate to spend his days with his son who took care of him on a daily basis. Just as he wished, Donny and Nikki brought him home where they took care of him until his last breath which was so peaceful. Being such a wonderful man throughout this life he deserved to go as he wanted and peacefully in no pain.

The family would like their "bigger than life" dad and Grandpa to be remembered as a man who honored their mom and Gram and kept his promises to her. He made sure to spend plenty of time with his grandchildren and took on the role of being everything to them. He gave the best advice and taught his children to always see the positive, he will forever be remembered as saying "It could always be worse" in any situation. " Grandpa walked this Earth full of integrity, honesty, humility, respect, true kindness, honor and love. The life lessons he taught us will live forever and be passed on to future generations. He lived his life to the fullest and 100% his way. He did it "MY WAY" until the end." With so much love and respect, "So long pal!" until we meet again.

Visitation for Donald is on Friday, June 6, 2025, from 4:00 PM. to 8:00 PM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Visitation for Donald is on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 8:30 AM. to 10:00 AM., Religious Ceremony at 10:00 AM., at Ridge Funeral Home, 6620 West Archer Ave, Chicago, IL 60638. Graveside Service at St. Casimir Catholic Cemetery, 4401 West 111th Street, Chicago, IL 60655. For information call 773-586-7900 or visit www.ridgefh.com.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ridgefh.com for the Tesmer Family.