Florice Rose Tennessen

Florice Rose (Serpe) Tennessen, age 90, of Eagle River, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2024. She was born in Racine on October 30, 1933, to Alphonse and Mary (Perfetto) Serpe. Although she was an only child, she grew up surrounded in the love of an extended family of many aunts, uncles and cousins.

After graduating from Bradford High School in Kenosha, she married her high school sweetheart, Kenneth B. Tennessen, on December 27, 1952, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. This loving couple was happily married for 71 years until Florice’s passing.

They began their life together in Biloxi, Mississippi where Ken was stationed with the Air Force, later moving to Rapid City, South Dakota, eventually returning to Racine and Kenosha,  before moving again to Farmington Hills, Michigan and then Carmel, Indiana. 

Upon Ken’s retirement in 1992, they moved to Eagle River, enjoying many visits from their family.

To Florice, nothing was more important than her family. In her younger years, although she was quite busy with her seven children, she still found the time to volunteer in various capacities in their schools and in their Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops. She was committed to raising her kids in the Catholic faith, often helping with their religious studies.

As hobbies, Florice enjoyed creating special meals and treats, while passing down Italian food traditions she learned from her own mother. Other interests of Florice’s were sewing clothes for herself and her children, needlepointing, reading, crafting, and playing word, board, and card games. But most of all, she enjoyed boisterous family gatherings. 

She was always happiest when she was in the presence of her much-adored children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Florice will be dearly missed by her doting husband, Ken of Eagle River, and her loving children: Rick (Shelly) Tennessen of Racine; Randall (Pamela) Tennessen of Wisconsin Dells; Russell (Linda) Tennessen of Rhinelander; Diane (Bill) Hansen of Kenosha; Ronald (Bonita) Tennessen of Noblesville, Ind.; Robert (Melissa) Tennessen of Indianapolis, Ind; and Doreen (Paul) Conarty of Roanoke, Ind. 

Florice’s memory will also be carried on by her 17 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and many cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents, Alphonse and Mary Serpe, as well as by her granddaughter, Carina Tennessen.

Arrangements are incomplete at this time. A Celebration of Life is expected in June. You may leave your private condolences for the Tennessen family at www.carlsonfh.com. 

The Carlson Funeral Home (715-369-1414) is serving the Tennessen family.