Obituary of Helmut Tessmer

Helmut ("Hank") Tessmer, age 90, of East Hanover, NJ passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, February 8, 2023.  Hank was born in Allenstein, East Prussia, Germany and attended The Engineering School of Hamburg.

Hank immigrated to the United States at 18 years old, settling in Irvington, NJ where he met Fred Klein, who would become his life-long friend. Hank was CEO of Bronner Manufacturing & Tool Company, a precision tool and die manufacturing company. Hank’s company attained a reputation for high quality precision machine parts for the telecommunications, aerospace, and defense industries. He was proud to supply parts for the Apollo Space Missions as well as contributions to other U.S. Government initiatives.

Outside of his passion for business, he was an avid fisherman. You could always find fishing poles and lures hanging around just in case there was a moment to fish! He looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his friends. And he enjoyed deep sea fishing off the Jersey Shore. He also loved dining out at his favorite restaurants with friends and family. 

Hank was a long-time supporter of East Hanover PBA Local 227. He was a Master Mason with Cincinnati Lodge No. 3, F. & A. M., a member & supporter of the Two Hundred Club of Morris County, a member of Atlantic Highland Yacht Club, Germania Park and the New York Athletic Club.

Although Hank was a man of few words, he was beyond generous in so many ways to so many people and he will be sorely missed.

Hank is predeceased by his parents Wilhelm Groenbeck and Helene Tessmer; his brother Gerhard Tessmer of Germany; and former wife, Carole Tessmer of Lakewood, NJ.

He is survived by his two sons Todd Tessmer of East Hanover NJ, Martin Tessmer and wife Angela Pirone Tessmer of Morristown NJ, his daughter Susan Tessmer Stack of Hawaii, his 4 grandchildren Alex Tessmer of North Carolina, Victoria Buckley and husband Michael of NY, Steph Stack of Oregon, and Ryan Stack of Arizona.  As well, he leaves behind his long time partner Ursula Koelbl of Maine and her sons Andy Koelbl of Switzerland and Chris Koelbl and wife Sarah of Maine and their children Grayson, Reiner, and Wilder.

We thank all of you for your friendship to our dad, for all of your support throughout the years and know just how much you all meant to him throughout his life. He was a Blessed man to know you all.

Arrangements are under the care of Dangler Funeral Home, Morris Plains, NJ.