Joseph Louis Tietjen

Joseph Louis Tietjen was born on October 18, 1944 in Deshler, NE to Arnold and Anita (Schleufer) Tietjen. He passed away at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln, NE on May 08, 2025 at the age of 80 years. His final resting place will be at Fort McPherson National Veterans Cemetery in Maxwell NE.

Joe grew up on the farm by Byron, NE where he helped with daily operations. He attended Byron Jr. and Sr. high school and graduated in 1962. He was actively involved in basketball and track in his younger years excelling at both. Driving fast and enjoying horsepower was something he delighted in. He would race stock cars in his early days and liked cranking turbo’s up on tractors to see how much they would pull. He would often comment “I used to race cars that’s why the tires are squealing”. In 1968 he enlisted in the military while proudly serving as an Army sergeant and was honorably discharged a few years later and continued service in the national guard.

He married Sandra Paugh in 1967 and had one daughter together, Danell. Their marriage ended but his love for his daughter endured. In 1977 he married Linda Barlting and to this marriage two sons were born, Timothy and Dennis. During the 80’s Joe enjoyed fishing often with the family at the local lakes and went on numerous fishing trips to Canada with close friends. Walleye was his specialty, and it resulted in a lot of good meals. He also enjoyed guns and would buy and sell at gun shows regularly and had developed quite the collection. He enjoyed Trap shooting with friends at the spring creek gun club and his team was hard to beat.

In the late 80’s he placed his faith in Jesus Christ and began devoting his life to the Lord. In his pursuit for sound doctrine, he made the decision to move his family to Santa Clarita, California where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Theology and Counseling from the Master’s College and Seminary. In the late 90’s his marriage ended but he continued to love his children the best he knew how.

Later in life he spent many great times taking care of his grandchildren Dylan and Ava which brought him tremendous joy. Joe’s intention was “to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” 1 Corinthians 2:2. This is evident from the countless encounters of anyone who met him and though it hurts to be without Joe; our brother, father, grandpa and friend, there is no doubt that he is now with the love of his life the Lord Jesus Christ.

Joe is preceded in death by his parents Arnold and Anita (Schluefer) Tietjen, Allen and Rosalee (Tietjen) Claire, brother in law Kenneth Fintel, nephew Nate Tietjen, niece Rachelle (Fintel) Vencil and Kebra (Fintel) MacClellan. He is survived by his son Timothy (Claudia) Tietjen and their children Dylan and Ava of Grand Island, NE; Dennis Tietjen of Beatrice, NE; and DaneII (Joe) Kovacs and their children Samantha, Jasmine, Chris and Brian of Hebron NE. Brother Marty (Arlene) Tietjen of Superior, NE. Sister Donna of Valley, NE, and a number of nieces and nephews and other relatives and many close friends.

A memorial will take place on Thursday May 15, 2025 at 10:30 am at Countryside Bible Church by Hampton, NE. Pastor Rod Goertzen will be officiating.

Flowers may be sent to Countryside Bible Church.

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