Linda Tessau

Linda Mary (Ligouri) Tessau died April 26, 2021 at home surrounded by her family after a battle with lung cancer. Linda was born June 30, 1948. The daughter of Frank and Elizabeth Ligouri, Linda was raised in Des Moines and attended Saint Anthony’s Catholic School and graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy in 1966. She went on to graduate from Iowa State University in 1970 with a degree in Elementary Education; specialty Disadvantaged Children. While at Iowa State, Linda met many lifelong friends as a member of the Pi Beta Phi house, and most importantly the love of her life Craig Tessau. They were married June 6, 1970 and had 3 children, Melissa, Mathew and Brian. Linda and Craig raised their family in West Des Moines and were members of Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.

Linda began her career teaching in the Omaha Public Schools. Over the years she educated and loved many children at Phillips Traditional School, Hyatt Middle School and Merrill Middle School all in Des Moines. She retired in 2000 devoting her retirement years to her family and her 10 beloved grandsons.

Linda loved God, her family, her friends - daily morning mass, reading, walking, planning, organizing, feeding people, and taking care of anyone that needed help. Her strong will and loving spirit will be greatly missed.

Linda leaves a legacy including her husband Craig, sister Rosemary Ligouri, daughter Melissa (Shane Zekucia), twin sons Mathew (Lisa) and Brian (Angie) and 10 grandsons whom she adored: Brandon, Hunter, Ben, Myles, Ryan, Sam, Jackson, Ashton, Drew and Brody. She was preceded in eternal life by her parents Frank and Elizabeth Ligouri.

A visitation will be at Saint Francis Church in West Des Moines on April 29, 2021 from 5-7pm with a rosary to follow at 7pm.

A mass of Christian burial will be at St. Francis Church on April 30, 2021 at 10am.

Linda’s wish is that donations are made to the Food Bank of Iowa, Catholic Worker House and Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.