Ben Jackson “Jack” Tietjens, age 82 of Clinton, passed away Monday, July 12, 2021. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, July 16, 2021 at St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton, IA. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Thursday, July 15th, at the Pape Funeral Home and from 9:30 AM until the service time Friday at the Church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Clinton.
Ben was born in Clinton on October 26, 1938, the son of Benjamin H. and Viola E. (Jackson) Tietjens. He graduated from Miles High School and received his bachelor’s degree in teaching from Iowa State Teachers College. He taught Driver’s Education and coached sports at Thomson High School for 2 years. He was a Driver’s Ed teacher at Alleman High School in Rock Island for 27 years and retired from teaching at Rock Island High School for 5 years. Ben married Barbara A. Peters on August 16, 1959 at St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton.
While living in the Quad Cities Ben and Barbara were members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in East Moline where Ben served as a Trustee and usher. After retiring, He and Barbara were members of St. John Lutheran Church, Clinton. He was active with the Double I Antique Car Club, Andover Lions Club, Sabula Izaak Walton League, Traveler’s Protective Association, and the Elk River Township Board where he served as sexton for the Andover, Teeds Grove and Smith Cemeteries. He was a member of a long standing poker club with his friends, enjoyed playing cards with his neighbors and school friends, woodworking, camping, hunting, fishing, and antique car shows. He was a St. Louis Cardinal’s fan and followed the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Ben is survived by his wife, Barbara; 4 daughters, Ann M. (Juanita) Tietjens of Normal, IL, Julie L. (Tim) Larsen of Moline, IL, Ronna M. Braaten of Bettendorf, IA, and Joleen J. Wright of Charlotte, IA; 6 grandchildren, Laurel and Annika Braaten, Leah Wright, Sara Wright (fiancé’ Tom Torode) , Rosie (Mitch) Reinken and John (Stephanie) Wright; 3 great grandchildren, Kayson, Iris and Ivar Jack and 2 sisters-in-law, Janet Peters of Clinton and Gayle Tietjens of Santa Clarita, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, David G. Tietjens and 2 sons-in-law, Aaron Braaten and John Wright. Memorials may be made to St. John Lutheran Church or the American Heart Association. Online condolences may be left at www.papefh.com.