Obituary of Thelma Ann Tesner

Thelma Tesner was born in Tazwell County Virginia on July 31, 1929, to William and Lillian (McPeak) Belcher. Thelma was the last surviving of seven children.

At age thirteen, Thelma moved to Detroit, Michigan with her mother and six siblings. Thelma met Erwin F. Tesner, a Draftsman while working at Parker Wolverine in Detroit. They were married in Toledo, Ohio in 1947.

Thelma and Erwin had two children: Daniel Kenneth and Diane Marie Tesner. Erwin, Daniel, and his wife Elaine preceded Thelma in death. She is survived by Diane Tesner (MaryAnne Ortman), granddaughters: Tammy (Matt) Boettcher and Tina (Todd) Wall, seven great grandchildren, and a great greatgrandchild on the way.

Thelma was fortunate to be happily married to Roger Christensen and Edward Erwin, who also preceded her in death.

Thelma enjoyed ceramics, gardening, cooking and later in life, wintering in Florida. She loved a hot cup of coffee. The first sip, she could be heard to say in her sweet southern accent, “Ooooh, that’s good!” Thelma was a wonderful mother, providing a warm and nurturing home for her family.

Friends may gather on Friday, December 30, 2022, from 2:00 to 7:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of Thelma’s Life will begin at 7:00pm also at Merkle’s. Burial at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Southfield, Michigan will be held at a later date.  

Thelma’s family has a special “Thank You” to the staff at Fountain View of Monroe for the amazing care and kindness afforded to Thelma. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.