Aug 27, 2019

Ag invention creator, Michigan farm operator Tennes dies

Bernard Robert Tennes, 81, of Charlotte, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday morning, Aug. 25, 2019.

The following statement was placed on the Country Mill’s Facebook page:

“For nearly 50 years, our farm family has gotten to know many of you and consider you as family. It is with great sadness that we share the news that at the age of 81, Dr. Bernie Tennes died peacefully, surrounded by family at his home here at the orchard. We also celebrate the many gifts and memories that he passed on to each one of us.”

According to his obituary, Bernie was born November 15, 1937 in Mt. Carmel, IL, the son of Martin Simon and Katherine Marie (Kieffer) Tennes. Growing up in rural southern Illinois on a farm, he was the ninth of 10 children born to descendants of German immigrants and the first in his family to attend college after serving in the Army.

Earning his bachelor’s degree at the University of Illinois he met his wife Ann Stalls. While raising his children and working for the USDA, he earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in agricultural engineering from Michigan State University.

He went on to create several patented agricultural inventions involving mechanization and robotics that are still used to this day. In 1970, Bernie and Ann sold their East Lansing home to move to an 80-acre apple orchard and cider mill, The Country Mill.

After losing his wife Ann of 33 years, Bernie was blessed to meet and marry, Beverly Callaghan Tennes. Bernie has enjoyed the past twenty years of life with his wife, Beverly. She has faithfully cared for him. Bernie was known for teaching his children and co-workers the value of hard work. He is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Simon, Marie, Norman, Clair, Loretta, Florence, Irene and Leroy. Also, he is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Katie Tennes and his first wife, Ann.

Bernie is survived by: his son; Michael (Diana) Tennes and their children Rebecca, Elizabeth, Ryan, Anna and John Tennes; his daughter; Toni, formerly “Eunice” (Casey) Gragg and their children Sophia, Cameron, Carl, Sacha and Capra Gragg; his son; Chris (Kira) Tennes; their children Luke, Nick and Grace Tennes, and his son; Steve (Bridget) Tennes and their children Brianna, Mary, James, Joseph, Faith and Aaron. He is also survived by his wife of 20 years Beverly Callaghan Tennes and her son, Doug (Diamantina) Callaghan, grandson Dennis Callaghan and daughter, Cheryl (Lewis) Jones and granddaughter Dr. Amanda Jones.