Donald Gene Tiedeman
Age 94, of Grand Blanc, passed away on July 6, 2024. In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Donald’s Tribute Wall at detroitcremationsociety.com.
Donald Gene Tiedeman was born on April 23, 1930, in Madison, Wisconsin.Don was an orphan and was lovingly raised by Ruby Lumsden. He had two older brothers Bob and Don Lumsden. Don was married to Elaine Westphal December 28th 1955 in Iowa. He has three married children, Forrest Tiedeman and Laurine Kohler, Shane Tiedeman and Sandy (Ireland), and Heather (Tiedeman) and Chris Barrett. Seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Don graduated from East Madison HS and the Marine Corps. He served from 1948-52, during the Korean War, his highest rank was staff sergeant. He attended The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater from 1952-56 and was a triple major, science, math, and physics. He also played one year of college football. Out of college he worked about a year at Argon National Lab near Chicago as a nuclear scientist. Then he decided to change jobs and became a guidance system engineer working on ICBMs and the space program in a secret GM contract in Milwaukee. Then he started his career at Buick, as a powertrain engineer, in Flint where he worked from 1972- 1993. He moved back to Wisconsin and worked at the Suburban plant in Janesville as a powertrain manager before retiring from GM in 1995. He volunteered for roughly twenty years at Mercy Hospital and Castaways. Don and Elaine spent summers as campground hosts for the Wisconsin State Parks. He enjoyed camping, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, reading and traveling . He was especially happy when his family joined him on an adventure.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He will be missed by all.
Don was preceded in death by Ruby, Bob and Don.
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I am one of Don’s Wisconsin cousins. He was well loved by our family and extended family. Ruby had a biological son named Don so we always called “this” Don, Tied. I never thought to question this till I was a teenager and that’s when I asked why Ruby named two of her kids Don. That’s when I found out that Don was not a biological child of Ruby. It didn’t change a thing. He was always a well loved and special part of our family. I remember when he and Elaine were married. They were such a loving and friendly couple – so very kind. I was in college by then and they were always so interested in what I was doing, my boyfriends, and career plans. His was a life well lived and much loved. Deepest sympathy to Elaine and all the family.
Dear Heather and Chris, Rusty and I are so sorry for your loss. We know the grief of losing parents and parents-in-law. Peace to your family at this difficult time.
Dear Sandy and Shane,
We were able to meet Don on several occasions during events at our GR Lodge. Although the atmosphere did not lend itself to getting to know someone, we knew that he was clearly a man of honor and integrity. How would you know that? You might ask. Because we know his son, Shane , who is indeed a man of honor and integrity, kind and caring. Remember the old adage: “Like father/Like son”. Don’s son is a tribute to his life. Plus they both love to fish.
May Don rest in the ultimate peace of his Heavenly Father.!
Jim and Judy