Sept. 19, 1943 — Feb. 6, 2018

Leroy Tietjen, 74, of Cassopolis, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2018, in the comfort of his family’s presence.

He was born Sept. 19, 1943, in Fairbury, Nebraska to Reinhard and Alvina (Marquart) Tietjen.

He married Betty Bockelman July 31, 1965, in Kansas City, Missouri. As a Lutheran teacher and three-time principal for 42 years in Wisconsin, Kansas, California, and Indiana, Lee was touched by many youngsters growing in the classroom, athletic endeavors, and directing voices sharing their love for Jesus.

Lee will be greatly missed by family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty; daughter Jennifer (Matt) Smith of Gary, Indiana; son Matthew Tietjen of Cassopolis; granddaughter Rhylee; sisters Bernice Bush of Colorado, and Florence Stokke of Nebraska; brother Donald (Mary) Tietjen of Nebraska; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Lee was preceded in death by his sister Marian Richert and his parents. Family and friends will gather Friday, Feb. 9, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Cassopolis with the Reverend Paul Doellinger officiating.

Lee will be laid to rest in Crane Cemetery on Decatur Road. The family prefers contributions be made in Lee’s memory to St. Paul Lutheran Church’s Open Arms Child Development Center. Arrangements have been entrusted to Connelly Chapel Wagner Family Funerals, Cassopolis. Please share a memory or a message online: wagnercares.com.