Theresa "Tessie" Kehl

Theresa Fischer Kehl died peacefully after a very long and fulfilling life at the age of 103, in Vernon, Connecticut on November 23, 2022. Theresa, who lovingly became known as “Tessie,” was born on December 3, 1918, to the late Anton Fischer and Theresa Bauer, in the small hamlet of Riggerding, Bavaria, Germany. When Tessie was a young girl, she and her family moved to a farm in Pleinting, Germany on the banks of the Danube River. Her father owned a butcher shop and gave it up to be a farmer. Tessie’s family home was in Reisach. In 1936, at the age of 18, Tessie came to the United States with the plan to work for a few years, save money, and go back to Germany. But by 1939, World War II had broken out in Europe, and she could not return home.

    Tessie met Edward Kehl in New York and they were subsequently married. She was unable to return to Germany until 1949. Tessie spent her working life in the retail grocery business. Her last position was with Mott’s Supermarkets as a traveling supervisor for the deli operations in all the Mott’s Supermarkets.

    Tessie and Edward resided for a while in New Jersey and in 1952 they moved to Manchester, Connecticut. Tessie and Edward were known for their cooking and baking at the Fastnacht celebration at Concordia Lutheran Church. Tessie was an amazing baker and was especially known for her delicious Christmas cookies.

    Tessie is predeceased by her parents, siblings, many friends, and her beloved husband, Edward. She is survived by her son, Douglas Kehl and his wife, Ann Kehl, of Glastonbury, Connecticut, grandchildren, and their spouses including, Laurie Wilhelm and her husband, John Wilhelm, Matthew Kehl and his wife, Jill Kehl, and Benjamin Kehl and his wife, Barret Katuna. She is also survived by eight great-grandchildren including: John D. Wilhelm, Meredith Ambrozaitis, Tyler Wilhelm, Chase Wilhelm, Megan Kehl, Sydney Kehl, Hans Kehl, and Henry Kehl. Tessie also is survived by very close family friends including Mark Winzler, Jane Casserly, and her goddaughter, Lisa Matteson.

    A memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church in Manchester, Connecticut located at 40 Pitkin Street, Manchester, CT 06040 on Thursday, December 29 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Concordia Lutheran Church Memorial Fund in her honor.

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