John Edward Tietema, 81
John Edward Tietema, 81, of Kalispell, passed away Nov. 25, 2007, at the Brendan House in Kalispell. He was born March 30, 1926, the second of six children, in Havre, to John H. and Rose Tietema.
In his early years he was actively involved in sports such as softball, Golden Gloves boxing, wrestling, football, basketball, track and field and played semi-pro hockey; to which he set long-standing records in several of those sports.
John maintained a life of service to the Boy Scouts of America, serving more than 24 consecutive years as district chairman. He was also chairman of the North Central Montana Council and as a member of the Council executive board. The Scout Law was central to the formation of the man John became.
John was raised a Methodist and served in many offices including that of lay minister. He taught classes and programs for more than 20 years and administered the Flathead Methodist Camp for several summers.
John served in the Air/Sea Rescue in the Philippines during World War II and upon discharge he enrolled at Northern Montana College in Havre, where he met his future wife, Donna Austin, of Kalispell. John and Donna were married June 18, 1950, and became parents to five children. They also partially raised a nephew. Over the years they shared their home with a number of young people who needed love and care.
John graduated from Northern Montana College and Western Montana College and received his master's degree from the University of Montana where he continued working toward his doctorate. He received his education specialist certification in 1983.
John taught every level, from elementary through university and served as an administrator in Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Wyoming and Oregon. He served on the administrative staff at Northern Montana College and taught university courses in Idaho, Montana and Washington. He also pioneered and implemented programs related to many aspects of education, and published a number of his writings.
He served as chairman of the Governor's Advisory Committee and of the Montana State Guidance and Personnel Association. His work as a federal funds raiser for the schools he served and received widespread success and attention. Unique to John was that he never took payment from those grants, turning all proceeds back into the grant. Concern for people characterized his work and life, his goal was to help others, and he succeeded! He loved his God, his family, his profession and his fellow man.
"Well Done Thou Good And Faithful Servant."
John was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, George; a daughter, Linda Kay; and his nephew, Bill.
He is survived by his wife, Donna Tietema, at the family home in Kalispell; one son, John R. Tietema, and his wife, Deb, of Powell, Wyo.; three daughters, Marilyn Pyke and Kathy Tietema of Kalispell, and Sharon Tietema of Billings; six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for John Tietema will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 29, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel with burial to follow at C.E. Conrad Memorial Cemetery. Visitation for John will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, Nov. 28, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel.
The family welcomes memorial gifts to: Brendan House at 350 Conway Dr. Kalispell, MT 59901; or Glacier Oncology at Northwest Health Foundation at 310 Sunnyview Lane, Kalispell, MT 59901.
Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for John's family. You are invited to go to www.johnsonmortuary.com.com to offer condolences and sign John's guest book.