Tieszen, William P. (1890-1962)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1962 Dec 13 p. 3

Birth date: 1890 Jun 1

text of obituary:

WAS FOUNDER OF TIESZEN HOME AT MARION SO. DAKOTA IN 1945

Marion, S. D. — Wm. P. Tieszen, 72, who died here Nov. 29, will be remembered as the founder of the Tieszen Home in Marion in 1945. He and his wife continued as chief supporters of the home throughout the years.

Besides promoting the construction of the new Bethesda Mennonite Church here, Mr. Tieszen also devoted generously of his time and money to causes of Freeman Junior College, the Northern District Conference, and the MCC.

1963 Jan 3 p. 8

WILLIAM P. TIESZEN

William P. Tieszen, seventh of 15 children, was born to Dr. Peter D. and Susanna Deckert Tieszen on June 1, 1890 four miles west of Marion, South Dakota.

His educational advantages were but few.

On May 30, 1909, upon his personal confession of faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour from sin, he was baptized by Elder Derk P. Tieszen and received into the membership of the Bethesda Mennonite Church.

On Dec. 12, 1912, he was united in holy matrimony with Anna Goosen. Together they shared life’s problems, joys, and sorrows for 48 years, two months, 15 days. After marriage he settled on his own farm four miles south of Marion. However, he soon left the farm to live in the city of Marion. He has lived in the immediate area all his life.

Even though no longer engaged as a farmer, his life was marked by continued farming interests, and a diversity of activities. Worthy of mention is his occupation as a road contractor for a number of years.

Brother William was mechanically inclined. He was careful in the use of his resources. He was good in management and industry, and was capable of using to his best advantage almost anything which came to his hands.

As a result of the above traits, and as the Lord added his blessings, he accumulated considerable wealth. However, with no children of his own as first heirs to his possessions, the greater share had been donated to the General conference, northern District Conference, Freeman Junior College, MCC, and other areas. Worthy of particular mention is the substantial sum donated in the interests of the Tieszen home in Marion, which he together with his wife, founded in 1945. He also played a leading role in the construction of the new Bethesda Mennonite Church building.

On Oct. 3, 1962, he was peacefully transferred to glory as a result of a heart attack. Often during his days of illness he expressed a desire to fall asleep and wake up int the presence of the Lord. He spoke often of his assurance of an eternal hope.

His parents, five brothers, three sisters, and his wife Anna preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his departure four brothers, Dr. Henry P. Tieszen, presently of Kerrville, Texas, Dr. Isaac P. Tieszen of Marion, Fred P. Tieszen of Parker, S. D., and Frank P. Tieszen of Marion; two sisters, Marie (Mrs. Sam J. Schmidt) and Elizabeth (Mrs. Henry P. Wiens), both of Marion; six sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law, all of Marion; nephews. nieces, and a host of relatives and friends. — Brothers and Sisters.