Brian Tessmann, 70, from Pewaukee, was called to his eternal home on Saturday, September 23. Brian was very appreciative and thankful for the many relatives and friends who visited, called, and said many prayers on his behalf throughout his battle with cancer. 

Brian was a passionate outdoorsman from an early age. He loved hunting and fishing for any species that he could. He lived to hunt, and did so across Wisconsin and beyond throughout the U.S. Nevertheless, his true passions were traditional archery and hunting whitetails at the cabin. He also excelled at introducing archery to multiple younger generations - leaving a lasting impression on their hearts and souls. 

Brian was not only an active traditional archer; he also dedicated his life to serving the archery community and preserving the history of archery in Wisconsin. He was the co-founder and past president of Wisconsin Bowhunting Heritage Foundation in Clintonville, WI; founder of Sportsmen Against Hunger; lifetime member of the Wisconsin Bowhunters Association; lifetime member of Wisconsin Traditional Archers; lifetime member of Wisconsin Buck & Bear Club; and member, past president, and board member of the Ojibwa Archery Club for decades, which was one of his favorite hangouts, along with the Dousman Gun Club for Thursday night sheepshead. Outside of Wisconsin, Brian was a nationally recognized lifetime member of the Professional Bowhunter Society, otherwise known as PBS, where he was very involved and served as a past councilman. He was well regarded and certified as a measurer for the Pope & Young and Boone & Crockett clubs and served for over 35 years helping hunters record and measure their harvest.

To help show their friendship and love, Brian’s bow hunting friends dropped off signed arrows while he was in hospice. These arrows will be made into an arrangement after the funeral service and we encourage anyone who shares his passion for archery to please feel free to add to the arrangement. Brian promised each friend “I will guide your arrow” as they were left behind. 

Brian is survived by his brothers Bradley (Cary) and Brent (Kristin) and his nephews Jake (Madison) and Alex (Rhianna). He was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Shirley (Dollase).

Funeral service will be held Monday, October 23, 2023, at Christ Ev. Lutheran Church, W240 N3103 Pewaukee Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072 with visitation at 10:30 and funeral at 11:00. Please feel free to dress casually, bolo ties and belt buckles are appropriate attire. In lieu of flowers, Brian’s family requests that memorials be given to Christ Lutheran Church, W240 N3103 Pewaukee Road, Pewaukee, WI 53072 or to Wisconsin Bowhunting Heritage Foundation, 17 E. Third Street, Clintonville, WI 54929.