Donald Charles Tiedemann

DONALD C. TIEDEMANN VALPARAISO, IN Donald Charles Tiedemann, age 91, passed away on Thursday, September 15, 2011. He was born July 3, 1920 in Silver Creek, NY to the late Charles and Gertrude (nee Farrell) Tiedemann. Donald moved to Westfield, NY at age eight where he met his future wife, Jean Welch Tiedemann. After graduating from Westfield Academy, Don received a B.A. in Philosophy and Theology from Notre Dame in 1941, played trombone in the university band, was a featured soloist with the Glee Club, and regularly sang the National Anthem at football games. Don married Jean in 1943 and served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. During that decade, he also earned three degrees from Harvard University, including an MBA and law degree. After the war, he began a career in corporate law in New York City, ultimately retiring from New York Life in 1980 as Vice President and Associate General Counsel. The Tiedemann's then lived in Westchester County, NY where Don served as school board president. In retirement, they moved back to Westfield, reuniting with old friends whom they ultimately outlived. Don involved himself in civic life through the local library board, Rotary, and the Chautauqua Opera Association. It should be remembered that he performed with the Chautauqua Opera Company during his high school and college days and seriously considered a career in opera performance. His family cherishes CD copies of his performances of 70 years ago. In 2005 they moved to Valparaiso, ultimately residing at Rittenhouse. Don was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Virginia. He is survived by wife, Jean; daughters: Ann (James) Halvorsen of San Francisco, CA and Virginia (Jonathan) Oram of Valparaiso, IN; sons: Thomas (Leslie) Tiedemann of Cedar Rapids, IA and Charles (Paula) Tiedemann of Washington, DC; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, one born four days before his death. Don was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church, 1855 W. Harrison Blvd., Valparaiso, where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at 9:30 a.m. with Rev. Joseph Pawlowski officiating. Visitation starting at 9:00 a.m. Burial of Cremains in New York. Memorials may be made to St. Dominic's R.C. Church, Westfield, NY 14787 or to the Chautauqua Opera Company, c/o Chautauqua Institution, Chautauqua, NY 14722. Arrangements by Dykes Funeral Home, Inc. (219) 462-3125.