Jennie Lynn Tietjen

Jennie Lynn Tietjen, beloved wife, mom and Nana went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, age 68 years. She was born on May 17, 1954, in Detroit, MI to parents Gene and Patty McDonald.
She attended public schools and graduated with honors from Finney High school in 1972. She was employed at a major Detroit bank, rising to a supervisor's role in her department while she was still a teenager. Jennie met the love of her life, Dave, in high school. The relationship was confirmed as they served at Christian camps in the summer of 1970, Dave in the state of New York, Jennie in Michigan. They wrote to one another every week and those letters remain in their possession today. They married on a Friday evening on June 14, 1974, following Dave's final class at Wayne State University.
Their move to Minnesota in 1975 began a nine-year residence which included completing seminary, beginning pastoral ministry, and giving birth to their three children. A call to a church in Schofield, WI in 1984 began a new chapter of life for the family of five. In addition to being a busy parent and pastor's wife, Jennie had the drive to create an in-home day care and be a founding member of "Hearts in Harmony". This Christian women's trio, formed with two good friends, sang in numerous church services and community events. In 1998 a move to Wheaton, IL and a home purchase in Carol Stream began a new season. Jennie secured employment at the Evangelical Child and Family Agency (ECFA) that same year and served with commitment and enthusiasm for more than 23 years. As her role at the agency expanded, she was inspired to begin her college career as a middle-aged freshman, graduating from National Louis University in 2005.
In her beloved role as "Nana" to her grandchildren, a number of summers included "Camp Nana and Granddad". Hosting up to ten grandchildren and their friends, the week included mornings of Vacation Bible School where Jennie and Dave taught the daily lesson and afternoon trips to downtown Chicago via train, swimming at the local waterpark and picnics at the zoo or museums.
She became the director of the Wisconsin district office of ECFA in 2017, a role she held until health concerns caused her to step away in 2021. She and Dave faithfully attended Spring Creek Church as members where they enjoyed the music, the fellowship, and the preaching until her final weeks. Jennie expressed her love to others by serving and most consistently through her delicious cooking. Her children and grandchildren can all quote their favorite "Nana" dish. She was eager to volunteer her time to assist others in need and her love for music included attending theatrical productions as often as possible.
Jennie was the heartbeat of her family, the soul of her marriage and a dependable friend to many. Her energy and love of life was inspiring and served her well, even as her health faded. A love for God's word, God's people and God's provision to her circumstances were evident throughout her life.
Survivors include her husband: Dave; her children: Amy (Jeff) Langkamp, Susan (Josh) Soldin and Andrew (Brittany) Tietjen; her grandchildren: Maddy, Isabelle and Logan Langkamp; Maxwell, Theo, and Miles Soldin; Aiden and Bryson Tietjen; Mikayla and Ty Nagler; her siblings: David (Susan) McDonald and Joel (Wanda) McDonald and her sibling's in-law: Pete (Doreen) Tietjen. She is further survived by her nephew, nieces and many other relatives and friends. Jennie was preceeded in death by her parents: Gene and Patty McDonald; her parents in-law: Harold and Margaret Tietjen; and her niece: Sarah McDonald.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be given www.ecfawisc.org/donate.
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, December 30 at Spring Creek Church N35 W22000 W. Capitol Drive, Pewaukee, WI 53072. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the service begins at 11:00 a.m. In honor of Jennie, who loved to host, we invite you to join her family for a luncheon following the service.