Dave Tennessen

David M. Tennessen (“Dave”), 68, of Los Alamos, NM passed on unexpectedly, and to the heartbreak of many, on Friday March 18, 2022.

Dave was born to Mary and Robert Tennessen in 1953 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in Chicago and loved visiting and staying with his grandparents in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Dave loved camping and scouting and he achieved the rank of Life Scout in the Boy Scouts of America.

He attended Rose Hulman Institute of Technology, graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. He began his career working for Honeywell, followed by a 30+ year career with Teletype/AT&T and NCR Corporation.

In July of 1989, he married the love of his life, Else-Maria Mena. Always together, Dave and Else have worked and lived in Illinois, Utah, South Carolina, and now, Northern New Mexico.

Dave was an avid collector of VW Beetle toys, a skilled do-it-yourself-er, and a computer expert. He loved science fiction, sushi, and Hawaiian shirts. He was a good husband, father, and protector of family.

Dave was the proud father of five wonderful children; Alex (married to Afton), Sarah Lee, Nicholas, Zachary, and Emrys. David was grandfather to Sarah’s five children.

David is preceded in death by his father, Robert. Dave is survived by Else; his children and grandchildren; his mother, Mary; and his siblings, Jim, Nanci, Diane, and Joyce.

A viewing for Dave will take place at Rivera Family Funeral Home of Espanola, 305 Calle Salazar, on Wednesday March 23, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. A memorial service led by Father Theophan of Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church will follow at Rivera’s. Please leave any messages for the family at https://www.mykeeper.com/profile/DaveTennessen/. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to the American Heart Association in Dave’s memory.