It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Asther Tekie on August 18, 2026, in Madison, Wisconsin. Her loss is deeply felt by the family and community who loved her dearly.

Asther was born on December 16, 1963, in Asmara, Eritrea, where she grew up in a house full of love and faith. She came to the United States in 1981, and after graduating from Edgewood High School she went on to attend the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance, a reflection of her determination and drive.

She built a long and respected career, beginning with Lutheran Social Services and spending much of her career with Community Care, Inc., where she served as Provider Data Manager/Rate Analyst. She brought her financial acumen to organizations devoted to helping others, work that was deeply aligned with her own generous and caring spirit.

Asther brought a true zest for life to everything she did, especially in the way she embraced and cared for others. A respected and cherished member of Madison’s Eritrean community, she never forgot what it meant to arrive in this country as a refugee and build a life from the ground up. She opened her home and heart to those who came after her, offering newcomers the warmth, connection, and sense of belonging she knew could make all the difference.

Her faith was the foundation of everything she did, guiding her through life’s joys and challenges with grace and unshakable conviction. She had an unmistakable presence. She had charisma, style, and a sense of humor that brought laughter and joy to those around her. Those who knew her remember a generous, compassionate, kind soul who never hesitated to give back and lift others up.

That instinct to care for others remained with her until the very end. True to form, even in her final days, Asther expressed more concern for the people around her than for herself. It was a reflection of how she lived her entire life: looking outward, caring deeply, and always thinking about what she could do for someone else.

Above all, Asther was a devoted wife and mother. She is survived by her husband, Mussie Zerzghi; and her four children, Eden, Daniel, Yordanos, and Matthew, who she loved fiercely and without reservation, as they were the center of her world. She poured her love, wisdom, and unwavering support into her family, and that love will continue to guide them every day.

She also leaves behind her eight brothers and sisters: Goitom (Patos), Mehret (Habtemicheal), Leteyesus, Saba (Haile), Yoseph (Marta), Biniam (Lemlem), Amanuel (Yodit), and Tzeghereda (Dawit); along with many cherished nieces and nephews. Beyond her immediate family, she leaves behind a large and loving extended family and a community made stronger by her generosity and presence, all of whom will carry her memory forward.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Askalu Keleta and Tekie Tesfaselassie.

A visitation will be held at QUEEN OF APOSTLES PARISH, ST. DENNIS CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Road, Madison, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2026. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Highland Memory Gardens. Family and friends who wish to view the Mass via LIVESTREAM may visit Asther’s obituary page at www.gundersonfh.com at the time of the Mass and click on "Watch Now" in the Webcast section.

If you’d like to send flowers, please send white flowers to the church using the links below.

If you would like to give a donation, please write a Check in the name of Capuchin Friars Mission and in the memo write in memory of Asther Tekie (Aba Vittorio).

If you would like to donate on line follow the link: www.capuchins.org/donate-now

- Under “I want my gift to support” choose: Where it is most needed

- Under “in memory/honor of” add: Asther Tekie

- Under “notification of memorial/honorarium gift” add: Mussie Zerzghi at 800 Stoney Hill Ln Cottage Grove WI 53527

- Under “additional comments” add: Abba Vittorio

This will go to nuns in Eritrea that work with children in need that Asther devoted her whole life to.

Asther will be deeply missed, but her legacy of faith, strength, generosity, humor, and love will endure in the hearts of her husband, children, siblings, nieces and nephews, the many people she welcomed and supported throughout her life, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Asther Tekie

December 16, 1963 - August 18, 2026

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