Emil A. Tessin, III

Emil A. Tessin, III died Thursday, July 23, 2020, following a long illness. He was surrounded by his family including his much-loved dog, Jessi.

Born in 1962 in Saginaw, Michigan to Thomas and Katharine Tessin, Emil graduated from St. Stephen’s High School, attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University. He began his decades long career in finance as a CPA and his work took him around the world. Emil was active in his church and served on the parish finance committee.

Emil married Cynthia M. Hess in 1991 in Orange County, California. While living in Naperville, Illinois they welcomed their two sons, Thomas Richard and John Matthew, to the family, through the miracle of adoption, before eventually returning to California. Emil considered his family life’s greatest gift, especially being a father to Thomas and John. Emil had an agile mind and a wonderful sense of humor. His love of music was a passion he shared with his sons, whose musical education, training and ambitions he encouraged over many years. He also shared his passion for college and professional sports including the University of Michigan football and basketball teams and the New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers football teams.

Emil is survived by Cynthia, Thomas and John, his mother Katharine (Pat) N. Tessin, brother Peter N. Tessin, sister Katharine Q. Tessin, brother-in-law Joe (Isabel) Hess, sister-in-law Julie (Matt) Chevraux, parents-in-law Richard and Mary Ellen Hess, nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles and many cousins.

Emil was predeceased by his father, Thomas E. Tessin, Sr. and his brother Thomas E Tessin, Jr (Boomer).

As young children, both Emil and his brother, Boomer, were diagnosed as Type I diabetic. Emil’s family would like to thank the many medical professionals who cared for Emil over the years as he suffered the ravages of a lifetime of diabetes. Their expertise and devotion extended and improved his life tremendously. Eight years ago, through grace and the kind generosity of a stranger, coupled with the skill and dedication of the physicians, Emil had a successful kidney and pancreas transplant which saved and prolonged his life. Anyone reading this obituary is asked to consider becoming a registered organ donor.

Following Emil’s wishes, his remains will be cremated and there will be no funeral. The family will be holding a remembrance during outdoor daily mass on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at San Francisco Solano Catholic Church, followed by burial at Ascension Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association or the East Side Soup Kitchen in Saginaw, Michigan at PO Box 330 Saginaw, MI 48606.


Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May the souls of all the faithful departed,
Through the mercy of God, rest in peace.