Teressa Ann (Carlson) Wiechec, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away suddenly on May 12, 2026.

Teressa was born on October 24, 1945, in Bottineau, North Dakota, to Hartley and Pearle Carlson. She was baptized and confirmed at First Lutheran Church in Bottineau. As the oldest of seven children, she grew up in a loving family, delighting relatives with songs, plays, and a spirited personality that would remain with her throughout her life. Teressa often spoke with gratitude about her small-town upbringing, her devoted parents, and the simple joys of childhood.

After graduating from Bottineau High School in 1963, Teressa completed secretarial training before marrying her high school sweetheart, Harvey Hiatt, in 1964. They welcomed two children, Bradley and Sheri, and Teressa embraced family life with joy. She loved creating a warm and welcoming home, spending countless hours baking, sewing, knitting, gardening, canning, and making memories with her family. She also shared her love of music through church choir and community theater.

Following a move to New Mexico and later Flagstaff, Arizona, Teressa began a 26-year career at Northern Arizona University. Her exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and strong work ethic earned her the respect of colleagues and a series of promotions, culminating in her retirement as Business Manager for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2010.

In 1988, while singing with the Shepherd Singers at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, Teressa met George Wiechec. Their marriage brought renewed joy, companionship, and countless adventures. Together they shared a love of travel, family gatherings, Scrabble, good food, and deep faith. George's steadfast love and partnership were among Teressa's greatest blessings.

A lifelong learner, Teressa was rarely without a book in her hands. She delighted in history, theology, and ideas that challenged her to grow. She completed the four-year Education for Ministry (EfM) program—twice—finding great joy in studying Scripture and engaging thoughtfully with questions of faith.

Teressa's greatest gift was her love for people. She believed every person possessed inherent worth and deserved to be treated with dignity, kindness, and compassion. She volunteered faithfully at the local food bank and family clinic, advocated for those in need, welcomed newcomers with open arms, and had an extraordinary ability to make others feel seen, heard, and valued.

Teressa was also known for her adventurous spirit, infectious laugh, Norwegian pride, legendary bargain hunting, love of puzzles, and meticulous lists. She cherished time with loved ones and never lost her sense of wonder or curiosity.

Nothing, however, brought Teressa greater joy than her family. She was an immensely proud mother to Bradley and Sheri, a devoted grandmother to Dylan, Austin, and Tyler, and an adoring "Gigi" to her great-grandson, Kashton, who she lovingly called her "great pure joy." Her family was the center of her life, and she poured herself into loving and encouraging each generation.

Teressa is survived by her beloved husband, George; her children, Bradley (Dana) and Sheri (Shelly); her grandsons, Dylan (Kelsey), Austin (McKenna), and Tyler (Megan); her great-grandson, Kashton (and another great-grandson expected later this year); her stepchildren, Lori, Sarah (Ernie), Chrissy (Mike); her dear friend, Linda; her sisters Becky (Wayne), Kerry, Arlyce (Rich), Lisa (David), and Amy; her brothers Richard (Tracy) and Lenny (Misty); and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and treasured friends.

Teressa lived with gratitude, curiosity, and generosity. She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and compassion that will continue to shape all who were blessed to know her.

Blessed be the memory of Teressa Ann Carlson Wiechec.

A memorial service will be held on July 18th at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Flagstaff, AZ.

Donations in Teressa’s memory can be made to Shriners Hospital or the Flagstaff Family Food Center.