TIETJENS, Karen Ann 1943-2003

TIETJENS, MURRAY, LOCKLIN, OBERMANN, HERMAN

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 1/2/2013 at 12:18:47

[Waterloo Courier, Sunday, October 12, 2003

Karen Ann Tietjens, 60, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2003, at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital, Houston, Texas, after a courageous battle with cancer. Karen was born in Dubuque, Iowa, on June 26, 1943, to Reg and Ilene (Murray) Tietjens. Her father and a niece preceded her in death.

Karen was raised in Waterloo, Iowa, graduated from Columbus High School and attended The University of Northern Iowa. She traveled the world in her long career as a retail buyer. Her career took her from Waterloo to Atlanta, Ga., and then to Houston, where she made her home for the last 30 years.

She loved her work and treasured the many lasting friendships from her years at Battlesteins and Palais Royal. For the last eight years Karen pursued a new career in real estate, and was happily employed with Apartment Connections until the time of her death. She lived life to the fullest, enjoying especially the arts, travel and reading, but treasured most her family and friends.

Karen was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt and friend. She touched many lives with her positive outlook, kind spirit and sense of humor. She brought joy into the lives of many, including those she visited in her years as a volunteer at MD Anderson Hospital.

Karen is survived by her mother, Ilene Tietjens of Greeley, Colo.; brother, Tom Tietjens of Waterloo; sisters, Linda Locklin (Gerald) of Daphne, Ala., Kathy Obermann (Greg) and Connie Herman (Bruce) of Greeley, Colo.; and honorary sister, Jan Switzer of Houston, Texas; nieces and nephews, Ben and Alex Kroblin, Brian Tietjens, Elizabeth and Michael Berman, Maggie Obermann, Michael and Julie Locklin.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the compassionate and loving caregivers in 20 Tower at St. Luke's.

A memorial mass for friends and family was held Tuesday, Oct. 7, at St. Cyril of Alexandria Catholic Church in Houston.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.