Roger Tessman, former Executive Director of the American Bowling Congress, passed away on Sunday evening after a brief illness.
Tessman joined the staff of the ABC in 1961, and rose through the ranks to serve as Executive Director of that organization from 1982 to 1989. In his quest to get bowling accepted into the Olympic Games, Tessman also served as President of the Federation Internationale des Quilleurs, bowling’s international governing body, from 1985 to 1995.
For his achievements in the sport and industry, Tessman was inducted into the Meritorious Service section of the ABC (now the United States Bowling Congress) in 1985, and earned numerous other accolades, including the BBIA Industry Service Award in 1995.
News of his passing was relayed to Bowlers Journal International by his brother, Jerry, and his sister, Gail. Per Tessman's wishes, there will be no public services, and interment will be at Fort Selling National Veterans Cemetery in St. Paul, Minn., later this month.
Messages of condolence may be sent to his wife Peggy and the family c/o William Tessman, 1135 Mockingbird Lane, Plymouth, WI 53073.
