Tessie Kae Swenson, 72, of Rolla, ND passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND. Services will be held on Wednesday, February 11, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Bisbee Lutheran Church in Bisbee, ND with Pastor Kerry Boese officiating. Visitation will be for two hours prior to the service at the church. Burial will be held at the Bisbee Lutheran Cemetery in the spring.

Tessie was born May 11, 1953 to Floyd (Stabby) and Tillie (Oakland) States.  She went to school in Sarles and graduated from Calvin.  She married Robert Swenson and to this union 3 children were born.

Tessie worked at the Langdon Police Station, Bisbee, Dutch's Bar, Prospect Inn, Jack & Jill's, Kooner, a sandwich shop and she also babysat. She loved to bowl, dance, play Bingo and play softball and a little darts too.

Tessie loved spending time with her family and friends as much as she could.  Her kids and grandkids meant the world to her.

Tessie is survived by her children Lisa (Scott) Lloyd of Rolla, ND; Chad (Jeri) Swenson of Fargo, ND and Kris (Chris) Quam of Devils Lake, ND; Life Partner Walter Ashenfelter; grandchildren Ashly (Alex), Scott, John, Taylor, (Michael) Tyler, Kacey and Kole Swenson, Bailey (Hunter) and Emili Quam; great-grandchildren Lily, Mia, Dexter, Indika, Amelia, Kimberly, Emma, Nirvana and Bodyn; sisters-in-law Wanda States and Lynn States; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers Richard, Floyd (Gene), Ole, Kenneth and Douglas and sister-in-law Ruthie.

A Letter from Tessie

When tomorrow starts without me,

And I'm not here to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

Filled with tears for me.

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,

The way you did today,

While thinking of the many things

We didn't get to say.

I know how much you loved me,

As much as I love you,

And each time you think of me,

I know you'll miss me too.

When tomorrow starts without me,

Don't think we're far apart,

For every time you think of me,

I'm right here in your heart.

I Love You Forever!!