Sara T. Tess

I died on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at my home, because of my pancreatic and liver cancer. I was born on Easter morning of 1963, the third of eight children born to Pete and Joyce (Van Asten) Mischler. Lee and Tessie were my Godparents, and I grew up on the Mischler farm, east of Kaukauna, where Grampa Louie also grew up. I attended grade school at St Francis in Hollandtown, graduated from Kaukauna High School with the class of 1981, and received a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising from UW Stevens Point in 1985, because I could sew.

I was an active wife and mother, and was involved in 4-H, Girl Scouts, Christmas caroling, Cursillo, singing all the time (especially harmony) with many choirs, cantoring, and committees at Holy Spirit Parish. I began to play the guitar in 8th grade. I also loved the sound of violins. Over the years, I had many jobs – sewing, retail, and clerical. I also rescued too many indoor plants, crocheted and knitted a plethora of afghans, scarves, hats, did clothing alterations, especially enjoying bridal work. I considered myself a master at collecting one-liners, as in ‘by whose expectations’, ‘this, too, shall pass’ and ‘I shall pass through this world but once.’ Of course, I was also expert at correcting your grammar and spelling - to help you be better.

I leave behind my dear husband, Terry Tess and my beloved daughter Amanda; and my mother: Joyce (Phil) Bruckner. My brothers and sisters are: Anne (Bill) Clausnitzer, Jim (Chrissy) Mischler, Peter (Julie) Mischler, Marla Mischler, Jen Mischler, Mark (Sara) Mischler, and Chris Mischler. I am also survived by many aunts, uncles, a hundred first cousins, and friends from college, work, and life. I will also be lovingly remembered by my special brothers, John Castellion and Mike Castellion.

Terry’s family includes his mother: Marie Tess, and his sisters: Linda Pekarek, Diane (John) Salzman, and Cheryl (Chris) Meier; and a brother-in-law: Gordy (Judy) Augustine.

Over the years I made so many friends - I will miss you all. Everyone from Outagamie County Health and Human Services, Walmart, Shopko; Bridal Event, Vande Hey Company, Holy Name School, Countryside Golf Club, Prange’s, Zwicker Knitting Mill, UWSP Roach Hall, and Fabric Source.

I was preceded in death by my dad: Pete Mischler, my father-in-law John Tess, a brother-in-law Don Pekarek, a sister-in-law Rachel, and a special brother Sam “Joe” Castellion.

Thank you to everyone for all the prayers, good deeds, food, travel, rides, and visits during my difficult times. Our family couldn’t have made it this far without all the help and support. Thanks also to my family, both immediate and extended, for all the thoughts, cards and prayers. Some days these were all that kept me going. Thank you to my Cursillo and church families. Prayers work. You are all phenomenal.

Thank you to Fox Valley Hematology and Oncology. You were marvelous. You hire the best. You all really care, and it shows every day! Especially thanks to Dr. Goggins for always being straight with me - and for those hilarious Christmas sweaters. Keep doing that for your patients. We love you!

My funeral liturgy will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Holy Spirit Church, located at 600 E. Kimberly Avenue in Kimberly, with Fr. Bob Kollath officiating. My family and friends will gather to remember me on Friday evening from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM at the Jansen Fargo Funeral Home, 204 E. Kimberly Avenue. There will be a vigil service at 7:00 PM Friday and visiting will resume at the church on Saturday morning from 9:00 AM until the time of the service.

Please, don’t send any flowers or indoor plants since Terry’s not so good at caring for those. Also, please don’t send casseroles – they won’t be eaten. Rather, pay it forward locally or donate the money you would have spent to Dan’s House of Hope in Houston, Texas, to help them with the awesome work they do there. http://danshouseofhope.org/

If you are bringing food for the funeral luncheon: A-M bring salads, and N-Z bring dessert. And go ahead and eat dessert first. Aunt Sara said so.