Dr. Melvin J. "Cy" Tessin

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Albion College Western Michigan University

Melvin Tessin Obituary

Dr. Melvin J."Cy" Tessin Battle Creek Formerly of Kalamazoo, Dr. M. J. "Cy" Tessin passed peacefully away on October 13, 2010 in Battle Creek, after a brief illness. He was 82. Dr. Tessin was born on March 17, 1928 in Plymouth, the son of Carrol (Jack) and Lila (Dell) Tessin. Dr. Tessin was raised in Marshall, and graduated from Marshall High school in 1946. He graduated from Albion College in 1950 before serving in the U. S. Army during the Korean War, 1950-1952, as a Medical Assistant. On June 6, 1953, Dr. Tessin married Elizabeth (Liz) Gail Collins in Marshall. Cy and Liz were married almost 48 years before her death in 2001. Cy worked for Consumers Power Company (CMS) in both Jackson and Kalamazoo. He received a MBA from Western Michigan University in 1964 and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Western in 1972. He taught Management and Personnel as an adjunct Associate Professor in the College of Business at Western for many years before becoming personnel Director at Kalamazoo College. In 1978, Dr. Tessin became owner and President of Management Recruiters of Kalamazoo, an executive search firm, which provided over 30 years of service to the business community. Dr. Tessin was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Liz; one sister, Carol Jean Clark; and an infant brother, Robert. He is survived by his two sons: Timothy J. (Cindy) Tessin of Raleigh, NC and Todd C. Tessin of Coldwater; two grandchildren: Rebecca (Allen) Franklin of Warner-Robbins, GA and Andrew J. Tessin of Raleigh, NC; one great-grandchild, Aiden Franklin; step-granddaughter Shanna (Gary) Driscoll of White Lake; a step-great granddaughter, Maddison Driscoll; 3 nieces: Cindy Collins, Janice Clark, and Kendra Clark; and a nephew, Steve Clark; and friend, Marcia Palmiter of Battle Creek. Cy and Liz traveled the world together, were avid MSU Spartan fans, and enjoyed the company of many great friends, neighbors and employees. Friends will be received Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo 6080 Stadium Drive 375-2900. A service to honor Cy's life will be held Saturday, 12 noon at the funeral home. His final resting place will be next to Liz at Oakridge Cemetery in Marshall. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion #298 in Battle Creek. Please visit Cy's personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo and sign his online guest book before coming to the funeral home.

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Published by Battle Creek Enquirer on Oct. 15, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Melvin Tessin

9 Entries

Michelle Symanski

October 16, 2010

I met Cy and Marcia through mutual friends. What a wonderful couple to share life with. I only got to know them for a few years, but I always enjoyed our time spent together. Recently, we shared lunch and laughs at Clara's on the River. I'm so thankful for that last memory. Cy was still full of jokes and laughs. My love and prayers go to Marcia and the family.

October 16, 2010

So many memories, all the way back to the pillows in the big box we would take each Sunday at Indian Prairie school while meeting in the gym to kneel on before St. Martins was built and working in to the midnight hours the night before the very first service in the new church getting everything in place! The wonderful Christmas Eve celebrations at Cy & Liz's home on Croyden following the services at church. MSU football games, the tailgate parties before & after the games!! Cy would walk alongside with friends through their grief and always being available to help with anything even towards the end still making my father laugh, I will always be grateful to Cy and Liz both. We've lost a good friend and for myself a friend and boss. Today is National Boss's Day, I worked for Cy for twenty years, those were the days, you gave wonderful parties for your employees and treated them very well through the thick and thin days of the business! Thank you Cy, you will be missed!! Karen (Kirkpatrick) Reck

Shannon Organ

October 16, 2010

CY, My dancing partner gosh how I will miss your smiling face. The water front dance floor will not be the same. Lots of good moments! What an awesome guy to have met! Marcia my thoughts are with you!!

Murray Matson

October 15, 2010

What a wonderful gift from God to have put such a great man on this earth...We are so grateful to have found such an awesome friend...he and his Marcia enjoyed many a visit up to Traverse City to spend time with us and our family.....lots of great times were had by all and we cherish every one of those moments.
Thank-you Cy for your love, kindess and friendship. You will be so missed!

Ray & Dana Matson (Traverse City, MI)

Cassie Erickson

October 15, 2010

Cy will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He was such a wonderful and caring man.

October 15, 2010

Cy was a great person and a true friend of many people. I had the pleasure of knowing him for many years. Going back to our high school days. We always had a good time. He was one great organizer of class reunions and will be sorely missed by myself and many many others. Cannot make it to the funeral, but will see him in Heaven. Theron "Ty" Mallory

Pati Gay

October 15, 2010

What a wonderful man our prayers are with the family. Phil and Pati Gay

Mary Beth Holcomb

October 15, 2010

We have lost one of the good guys. It was always a pleasure to see Cy, and his presence will be sorely missed by many. Rest in peace my friend.

October 15, 2010

It was a pleasure being able to take care of Dr. Tessin, and meeting your family. God Bless all of you. Bethany Andres, RN.

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