Darwin Gene Tessier

Darwin Gene Tessier, age 89, of Yankton, South Dakota, went home to be with his Savior after a hard-fought health battle on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at his home in Yankton.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at Calvary Baptist Church in Yankton, South Dakota, with Reverend Errin Mulberry officiating. The memorial service will be live streamed and can be viewed at cbchurch.com. Burial will be in the Yankton Cemetery in Yankton, South Dakota with military honors provided by the Ernest-Bowyer VFW Post No. 791. The family will receive friends on Saturday beginning at 9:30 AM at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz & Ray funeral Home in Yankton.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to SD Fellowship of Christian Athletes, SD Habitat for Humanity, or a charity of your choice.

Darwin Gene Tessier was born July 18, 1935, in Watertown, South Dakota, to Claude and Lydia (Mutchler) Tessier. He grew up in Watertown and graduated from Watertown High School in 1953. He attended Huron College in Huron, South Dakota until he enlisted into the United States Army. He served in Germany from 1954 to 1956 in hospital medical records. After his discharge he completed his bachelor’s degree at Huron College. He married LaVila Hanson on December 21, 1957. He received his Masters in School Administration from South Dakota State University and then received his Specialist Degree in School Administration from the University of South Dakota in 1971. He taught and coached at Lake Norden High School and then went on to become the school superintendent in Erwin, Highmore, Winner, and Pierre where he served for 20 years spearheading many major building and improvement projects until retiring in 1993. He and his wife moved to Yankton, South Dakota in 1994 and Darwin worked as an academic instructor at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield, South Dakota.

Darwin loved being an educator and served public education for 35 years as a teacher, coach, and superintendent. He was selected as the SD Superintendent of the Year in 1988-1989. Throughout his career, Darwin held many leadership roles. He was appointed by several governors to serve on numerous advisory boards. His passion for helping others is evidenced by the many boards, committees, and clubs he led or served on such as the Commission on Human Rights, Oahe YMCA, State Title II & III advisory, SD FCA, SDHSAA Board of Control, Rotary Club, State AARP & 55 Alive, Yankton QB Club, Yankton Retired Teachers, Barbershop Chorus, Lancer Club, Habitat for Humanity, Golden K, and Rodeo Club.

Most importantly, Darwin was a man of solid faith and moral principles who loved God and loved people. He had strong convictions about working hard, doing the right thing, and being fair and honest. He was a man of his word. Faith and family were at the core of Darwin’s life. He was an active church member, singing in the choir and serving on various church committees and as a confirmation mentor. Darwin knew the Lord at a young age, but he chose to be baptized by immersion at age 87 to publicly confess his love for and obedience to God. He had a heart of gold, always showing interest in others. Wherever he went, he knew somebody and was happy to take time to chat with them. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a loving husband who was blessed by 67 years with the love of his life spent traveling together, horseback riding, playing bridge, going on walks, waterskiing, and supporting their children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors. He rarely missed an opportunity to attend a loved one’s activity, often taking stats on a scoresheet to provide encouragement after the game. He gave unconditional love and support to his children and grandchildren, and he was always there to give a hug, a helping hand, or advice. He was an avid hunter, wildlife supporter, sports enthusiast, and ping pong master. He also enjoyed running and competed in many road races around the state.

Survivors include his wife, LaVila Tessier of Yankton; daughter, Tara (Howard) Lansman of Harlan, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Suzanne Tessier of Yankton; six grandchildren: Luke (Kaitlyn) Lansman, Seth (Katrina) Lansman, Morgan Tessier (Alasyn Barwick), Trey (Jenn) Lansman, Will (Jess) Lansman, and Madason (Ethan) Leif; six great grandchildren: Sidney, Jase, Miles, Ellery, Lauren, and Lainey; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Todd Tessier; sister, Dorothy Schoepp and two brothers: Darrell and Richard Tessier.