Harold Dean Tessendorf, 92, of Onaga, Kansas, died Saturday, June 29, 2019, at the Onaga Health and Rehab Center. He was a life-long member of the community.
Harold was born November 8, 1926, at the Genn Hospital in Wamego, Kansas, to Nellie Marie (Hiser) and Henry Robert Tessendorf.
Harold grew up on the Tessendorf farm south of Onaga, attended Eureka School until it closed in 1937. He then continued his education at Onaga Grade School and Onaga high School where he graduated as the President of his class in 1944. During his school years, he was active in the Tannerville & Arispie 4-H Clubs. Following graduation, he served as a 4-H leader and farmed with his father for the next seven years.
On January 23, 1951, Harold was drafted into the United States Army for the Korean War. After being sworn into the United States Army, he was sent to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where he volunteered for the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC. After Basic Training and Paratrooper Jump School, he was transferred to Camp Stewart, GA and trained on the M1-90MM Anti-Aircraft Gun. Harold served as a Gun Commander of the 3rd Gun of the 337th Gun Battery until he was honorably discharged from active duty. He then served in the Army Reserve for five years.
Following his time in the United States Army, Harold worked for his uncle, Roy Tessendorf, at Tessendorf Furniture and Propane, Onaga, KS. He also sold Moorman Feed for several years before taking over the family farm from his father.
On January 31, 1959, Harold married Ramona Roberta Hartwich, daughter of Martha Wilhelmina (Marten) and Robert Fredrick Hartwich of Duluth, KS. In 1964, Harold and Ramona moved to the Tessendorf family farm. Later they were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Roberta. Harold started farming as a young man with horses and experienced many changes in the industry brought by tractors, modern machinery and increased crop yields. They continued to farm and ranch full-time until retiring when Harold was 79.
Harold was actively involved in the community. For 18 years he served as a Director on the Manhattan Co-op Board. Harold and Ramona were married at and remained lifetime members of the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Duluth, KS. Harold served as an elder for 15 years and as President of the Congregation for several years. He was also a member of the local Lion’s Club and was recognized by the National Lion’s Club President with an award for 50 years of service. Harold & Ramona loved to travel domestically and internationally making may new friends.
Harold began his involvement in the Republican Party while in high school by accompanying his uncle, State Senator Roy Tessendorf, to many Senate and GOP functions. Harold and Ramona were elected to serve many years as GOP Precinct Committee Man and Woman for Center Township. In 1968 Harold accompanied Ramona (who was a Delegate at Large) to his first Republican National Convention where he first met and conversed with Ronald Reagan, who later became President. Harold also served as Chairman of the Pottawatomie GOP Central Committee and was the area campaign chair for many candidates including Senator Robert Dole.
Harold was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife Ramona of 60 years, Onaga, KS; his daughter, Roberta of Overland Park, KS; brother, Donald D. Tessendorf of Zendale, KS; nephews Larry Tessendorf, of Topeka, KS, Hugh Tessendorf of Wichita, KS, Steve Tessendorf of Evansville, IN; and many other relatives and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 21185 Duluth Road, Duluth, KS, with Rev. Terry DeGiovanni officiating. Interment will be at the Onaga City Cemetery. Harold will lie-in-state, on Tuesday, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Campanella Family Funeral Home, 612 E. Highway 24, Wamego, KS, where the family will greet friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. A prayer service will be at 7:00 p.m. The family suggests memorial contributions in his name be made to the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Duluth, KS, St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Wheaton, KS or The Lutheran Hour, and those may sent in care of the funeral home.