Dr. William Joseph Tierney
1934 - 2008
Dr. William Joseph Tierney
1934 - 2008
Obituary
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William Tierney Obituary
Dr. Tierney is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Gwendolyn Haas Tierney; five children: Pamela Tierney, William F. “Pat” Tierney, Bridget Tierney, Mary Tierney Pultorak and Dr. Mark Tierney; daughter-in-law Kimberly Tierney and son-in-law Christopher Pultorak. In addition, he is survived by seven grandchildren: Thomas, Meghan, Michael and Matthew Tierney, and Ava, Jack and Luke Pultorak, as well as a large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Visitation will be Thursday, December 4th from 2pm -8pm at Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home in Anderson. A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, December 5th at 11am at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Anderson with Father Edward Dhondt and Rev. Richard True officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Hospital, Anderson in Dr. Tierney’s name.
Online condolences may be made to www.brownbutzdiedring.com
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People and places connected with William
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Jeannetta Purdue-Rizkalla
November 26, 2022
Hard to believe he has been gone 14 years. He will never be forgotten he touched some many lives♥ It was an honoring knowing and working with him in surgery.
Jeannetta Ann Purdue
November 26, 2020
Gone for 12 years but never forgotten. I am sure he is still smiling down on all of us that knew him and had the pleasure of working with. I feel blessed to this day. God bless you all.
Jeannetta Purdue Rizkalla
November 26, 2019
Dr Tierney is sadly missed but forever in the hearts of those who worked with him in surgery for so many years. Part of great memories and stories at Community Hospital Anderson
Mikie Leips
December 17, 2008
Dear Bridget and Family, My heart felt prayers are for you and your family. May God be with all of you during this difficult time.
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Pat Tierney
December 15, 2008
I want to thank all of you for your kind words about my dad. Its nice to hear all the stories about my father helping so many people.
He was a great man, father and my hero. I will miss him terribly.
Mary Finley
December 15, 2008
Dr T was an extrodinary Physcian and person, caring to do the best was his gift, he will be missed.
Randall Blake
December 12, 2008
His passing is felt in all parts of the globe. What a great friend and colleague. I was honored to have worked by his side.
Debbie Ladson Hinderliter
December 11, 2008
Gwen, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Know that I pray for you and your family at this time.
Vince Del Viscio
December 9, 2008
So sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you.
Vince and Nancy Del Viscio (Friends of Mary)
Gina Harrobin
December 9, 2008
Mary and Family - We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. He sounds like a wonderful man, one to which many of us can aspire. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. Hopefully you find solace in the many wonderful things that have been said about your father on this guest book. Love, Gina and John Harrobin and family
Leland Symonds
December 7, 2008
Gwen, you and your family are in our prayers.
So sorry for your loss.
Leland and Elaine
MARY ANN
December 5, 2008
I WAS SO SORRY TO HEAR OF DR. T'S PASSING. I REMEMBER WELL WHEN HE ARRIVED AT ST. JOHN'S. WE WERE ALL EXCITED THAT WE HAD NEW SURGEONS AVAILABLE. I WORKED 13 YRS. IN R.R. AND HE WAS ALWAYS THERE FOR US. ONE EVE IN PARTICULAR, WE ASKED HIM TO STAY WITH US FOR AWHILE. HE GRUMBLED, AS ONLY HE COULD, BUT "PLOPPED" ONTO A CHAIR AND SAT THERE WITH US TILL WE FELT COMFORTABLE ABOUT THE PT. I WAS ALWAY HAPPY TO SEE HIM WHEN HE "ROAMED THE HALLS" AFTER HIS RETIREMENT. SYMPATHY IS EXTENDED TO HIS FAMILY. YOU HAVE MANY WONDERFUL MEMORIES TO SUSTAIN YOU ....GOD BLESS
Teresa Fountain
December 5, 2008
What a loss for many of us here, but look at what Dr. Tierney has done for many, he has touched so many lives with his healing hands, kind words and we all have our stories on how he has a lifelong imprint in our hearts and lives that will last forever......I worked in Surgery with Dr. Tierney at St. John's Medical Center, and there was never a dull moment when he was in the O.R. working along side us at St. John's. I was his patient as well when I was diagnosed with my cancer and he made sure that I was taken care of and he went above and beyond the call of his duty to research my condition and he has written in the American Medical Journals around the globe on my rare cancer type to educate other Drs and medical teams .......I will never forget Dr. Tierney's sense of humor, energy, dedication, compassion and love that he gave to so many. I am so thankful that he gave me as well as my family much needed encouragement when I had my cancer diagnoses.......
He has made a difference in the world with his talent and time that God blessed him with....He was a servant of God and he had great purpose while he was here on earth...He never wasted a day or minute, he loved life and all that it had to offer.......
May God give strength to the family in the days ahead.....
MRS. LOIS BRIDGES
December 5, 2008
DR.ALVIN L. BRIDGES FAMILY WE ARE SORRY FOR THE LOST OF DR. TIERNEY HE AND MY HUSBAND DR. BRIDGES WERE FRIENDS IN PRATICE HERE IN ANDERSON HE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL AND MAY GOD BLESS AND KEEP ALL OF YOU WITH PEACE AND HEALING FOR YOUR LOST WILL KEEP YOU ALL IN MY PRAYERS.
Don and Barb Gwinnup
December 5, 2008
The Tierney families are very much in our thoughts and prayers with many fond memories of times together for skiing, golf and tennis. We missed George and now Bill, both marvelous guys.
Don and Barb Gwinnup
December 5, 2008
I, too, have great memories of Dr. Tierney. As a student nurse, he took me under his wing and gave me the confidence to become an RN. He will ALWAYS have a special place in my heart. After he was diagnosed with cancer, he still would come back and visit all of us (at Community Hospital Surgery services) and give the best hugs. I will always remember those pep talks he gave me. To his family - please hold on to all the special memories you have ... he will always be with you.
Curt Farran
December 4, 2008
Dear Mrs. Tierney and Family:
I certainly knew of Dr. Tierney's reputation as a physician and surgeon, but had not met him until this year's Men's Twilight Golf League at Anderson Country Club. Our first "Team Night," I introduced myself to him as a 17 handicap hacker who hoped not to humiliate myself in front of him and my fellow teammates. After hitting a less than respectable approach shot to 18, Dr. Tierney exclaimed "Nice shot Curt." From that moment on I thought to myself what a kind and gracious man he must be to commend such mediocrity. In the ensuing months I felt fornunate to know, if even for a short time,
such a cheerful and kind man. Like so many others have said, Dr. Tierney's legacy will not be forgotten.
Joanne Cox
December 4, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. Dr Tierney was a wonderful doctor, excellent teacher, and a God fearing man.
I worked at CHA for more than 25 years. When I first met him, I was very intimidated by his manner, but soon learned what a good doctor and man he was. He will be sorely missed.
He was blessed in so many ways, with a brilliant mind, talented hands, good sense of humor, and most important a loving, caring, and understanding family. Without his families' support, I believe he would have a difficult time dealing with all the pressures and critical decisions that he was faced with.
You are in my thoughts,
Joanne Cox
Eleanor (Coleman) Murray (St. Peter's '47)
December 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I have great memories of our times at St. Peter's with Bill and Tom. They were pranksters back then too!!!
Jill LaBelle
December 4, 2008
I grew up two doors down from the Tierney's on Greenway Terrace. I remember them well. It was a great neighborhood. Many great memories.
Jill Nelson LaBelle
James Wulle, RN
December 4, 2008
I remember to this day two times I saw him cry in the OR at St. John's because he had found the worst diagnosis for his patient and their families. He was a very rare, sensitive, caring man.
Karen (Moody) Bennett
December 4, 2008
Dr Tierney was a wonderful and caring man that I was lucky to meet in 1968. He preformed surgery on me and told me afterward that I was pregnant. Today that baby is a 39 year old LPN and a mother of 3 wonderful boys. I was one of the few that owe a lot to this dear man. He will be greatly missed in the community of Anderson, In. My deepest and heart felt sympathy to his family at this time in their lives.
Barb Herriott McNamara
December 4, 2008
Dear Pam and Family, I am sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I know how close you were to him. We used to talk about him a lot when you and I worked together in Chicago. I just lost my Dad a year ago too. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim (Goose) Rawlings
December 4, 2008
I first met Dr Tierney as a student at Community Hospital in 1977. He was a character! He was one of the first people to welcome me to the hospital and I will never forget his kindness and professionalism. Many of the names in these condolences are familiar to me and I also respect the opinions of those people. This just shows how many lives Dr Tierney touched. God's blessings and comfort to the entire Tierney family.
December 4, 2008
Like many patients and their families Dr. Tierney came into our lives at a terrible time. He had the guts, compassion, strength and class to tell us what he had to and set in motion things that needed to be done. He told me outside the hospital room just after that, what he'd had to share as a diagnosis was the hardest part of his job. He didn't abandon our family and in fact guided us. He was our family's surgeon of choice and he was someone we really respected.
When we heard a bit later that he'd been diagnosed with cancer we only wished we could have helped him as he helped us. He was an intelligent man with true ethics, professionalism and respected his patients and their families. This is a devastating loss to his family, his colleagues, his patients and his community. Dr. Tierney was comical, good, special and one of a kind. Our family extends our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Tierney and all the members of his family at this time of loss.
Patti Metcalf-Hall
December 4, 2008
My thoughts and prayers to the Dr. Tierney family. I ask that God hold you in his arms and comfort you during this time. Dr.Tierney was a very special person, I think he was an angel put on earth to do his work while here and then was called home. Having been able to work with Dr.Tierney and speak with him so often... will be sadly missed. I am thankful that he touched my life in so many ways.... and I was able to see so much of his goodness touch so many others. God Bless you all, he will never be forgotten.
Keely Allen
December 4, 2008
Dear Gwen, Pam, Pat, Bridget, Mary and Mark,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Dr. Tierney was always so kind to me while growing up. He will be remembered in my heart and please know you will all be in my prayers. God Bless all of you,
Keely and Kevin Allen & Family
December 4, 2008
This wonderful man & Gods intervention after lung surgery is why I am blessed with my daughter.
Keri was also able to give us 2 beautiful grandchildren.
Rest in peace Dr. & to his family, hold onto your memories.
Robert Schweiger
December 4, 2008
Condolences to the Family.
Remember him from high school--class of 54. My wife did the Schweiger family book back in the 70's. My Dad operated a dairy in the 30's-40's--Delivered milk to the Family.
Steve Brown
December 4, 2008
Tierney Family,
I was sorry to read of Dr. Tierney's passing in today's Star. I always looked up to him as a kid growing up in Anderson. We shared a friendship around golf at ACC that I think of every time I return to play with my Dad. Dr. Tierney was amazing to me because I honestly think he enjoyed practicing on the range as much or more than playing. That may have been due to the time demands of his work or in finding time to be a great father to a large family, but through that he taught me to love to practice and it is something I still enjoy today. He really seemed to take a genuine interest in me during those days, which I fondly recall. I know he fought off health challenges over the last several years of his life, and again he was an inspiration to many to face what life gives you and to not give up. It is especially difficult at the holiday season to lose a loved one, particularly a father and husband. Though I cannot get to the service my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Steve Brown
William and Bea Anderson
December 4, 2008
Dear Gwen and family. You have lost a man of integrity, a wonderful husband and father. I really respected Bill as a colleague and friend. He courageously dealt with a tough last few years. May God comfort you in the days to come, and may He give you hope of reunion with him in heaven. I can't come to the funeral home or church. (recent operation on hips). My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Bill and Bea Anderson
Madison County Medical Society
December 4, 2008
Our sympathy is extended to Gwen and family at this time of loss.
Karen Kane
December 4, 2008
Dear Gwen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in the loss of Bill, a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He was also a very caring person to so many others. Our family certainly enjoyed our friendship with your family while in Anderson. May God be with all of you as He now is with Bill.
Karen and John Kane
Kim, Teresa, and John
Amy Jo Layton(Markwell)
December 4, 2008
Bridget and Family;
Im very sorry for the loss of your wonderful father and I will be thinking of you in your time of grief...He will always be with you!!!
Steve Pakes, M.D.
December 4, 2008
I first met Dr. Tierney when I was an orderly at St. John's back in 1968, when he first came to Anderson. He reminded me of Hawkeye from MASH! Partly because of him, I went on to medical school and became a physician, too. Whenever I think of great physicians and surgeons, Dr. Tierney's name immediately tops the list. You have earned a place in Heaven, Bill!
Kay Land
December 4, 2008
I am deeply saddened after receiving word of Dr. Tierney's passing,. I was an RN at Community Hospital for many years, the last 11 spent in recovery room. I had tremendous respect and admiration for Dr. Tierney. I cannot be there to pay my respects to Mrs. Tierney and the rest of the family but send my most sincere condolences. You are in my prayers at this most difficult time and especially during this most beautiful season, which reminds me that when we would say "Merry Christmas, Dr. Tierney", he's response would be "humbug!" We all knew he didn't mean that. That is just one of my many fond memories of him.
Office of Dr. Greg Busing
December 4, 2008
A exemplary doctor, father, husband and friend. Dr. Tierney has made an impression on this community and each and every patient he has had contact with. Our heartfelt prayers go out to this wonderful family.
Professor Michael Pierce
December 4, 2008
As an OR orderly at Community Hospital in 1975-76 I found Dr. Tierney to be both a humanitarian and gentleman. He treated everyone around him, regardless of occupational or health status, with friendly dignity and focus. I enjoyed being in his presence. My condolences are extended to Mrs. Tierney and their family.
Linda Boruff
December 4, 2008
I worked with Dr. Tierney at St. John's early in my nursing career. He was highly respected by all the medical staff. I have wonderful memories of his compassionate caring toward his patients and the nursing staff. He will be missed!
Lee W
December 4, 2008
To the extended family of DR.Tierney my prayers are with the entire family. He will be missed deeply
Dan Beaty
December 4, 2008
Gwen, I just received an email from Pam. The news pained me. I know my feeble skills with the English language cannot assuage such a loss. I also know that if you seek it; comfort, strength and peace will rain down upon you in a way only comparable to the way He used Bill to transmit His healing power. Bill, yourself, Pam, Bridget, Mary, Pat and Mark will be in my and my family's prayers.
Eldon & Barb Plank
December 3, 2008
Our Deepest Sympathy to Gwen and family. Dr. T. was everyone's favorite. I had the pleasure of scrubbing with Dr. T. at Community Hospital back in the good ole days. I retired from Community in 1982 and moved to Florida. We will always remember him for his tireless efforts to fix whatever needed to be fixed. He was a fine Surgeon and a very special friend to all.
Laura Robbins
December 3, 2008
I had the opportunity to scrub with Dr. Tierney at CHA after he was "semi retired." I am so glad that he came back to where he belonged...in the OR...so I came to know him, and truly admire him. Along with the scores of others who knew him...I too will miss him!
JJ Spreitzer
December 3, 2008
Gwen,
So sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
JJ & Mindy Spreitzer
scott campbell
December 3, 2008
My deepest sympathy for the entire Tierney family. Obviously Dr. Tierney was admired and loved by both peers and patients, but more importantly he and Gwen raised a wonderful family, that will have nothing but the fondest of memories for the rest of their lives as well as their own childrens lives. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this time.
Fondly,
Scott Campbell
Jane Mroz Brock
December 3, 2008
I had the privilege of meeting Dr. Tierney when I began working at Community Hospital in 1971. We quickly became good friends, he always liked to tease. I was also a patient of Dr. T as were members of my family. There was nobody any better. He will be missed by thousands. May God be with you Dr. Tierney. Bless the family.
Connie & Gary Leips
December 3, 2008
Dear Gwen,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dr Tierney was much loved and respected by our daughters. They will always have fond memories of him.
God Bless
Judie Henning RN
December 3, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Dr. Tierney and also had him as a patient last year at IU Medical Center. He was a great person and will be missed. He told me how proud he was of his grandchildren and familyand shared pictures of the beautiful granchildren.Special condolences to Gwen.
Judie and children Amy,Anne.Alissa and Art.
Dr David Jones
December 3, 2008
At age 78, I wish this exact site in the future may somehow record what incredible CURES Dr. William J. Tierney has achieved for his patients for so many years while practicing in Anderson, IN after his 1968 arrival . He was my favorite surgeon referral for all kinds of abdominal, chest etc procedures ....Dr. Tierney was the best surgeon I have ever assisted and one so trusted for my patents countless of times over those 20 years before I retired. I personally assisted him hundreds of times. He was one of the the best, very kindest and trusted surgeons I have known.
May this site allow others to express & record their own sympathy & comments to his family by sharing with their experiences to heal our deep grief of losing him finally to our Savior.
David George Jones, M.D.
Jean Caupp
December 3, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Dr Tierney for 10 years at community hospital. He was one of the finest surgeons I have ever known and a wonderful man. My prayers and deepest sympathy to his family. Jean CauppRN
Jessica Cottrell
December 3, 2008
Dr T was an amazing surgeon who saved my life multiple times! He will be sorely missed. I tell my children stories about my surgeries and always tell them about how with Dr T, I wouldn't be here and neither would they! You are all in my thoughts and prayers. He will be sadly missed.
Cathy Bliss-Klein
December 3, 2008
My thoughts are with Dr Tierney's wife and children. I had the opportunity to both scrub in with him while working in the OR at St. John's years ago and then as his patient at Community. He always made things interesting and fun and genuinely cared about others. He told great stories, especially about his children who were the light of his life. He could be a real jokester too!
A shining candle has been extinguished but his legacy will live on forever in those he loved, trained, befriended and cared about. Rest in peace Dr T and God bless you for all your good works on earth.
Betty Sells
December 3, 2008
TO you the family and the community,you have lost a great husband, father, grandfather,
doctor, and friend. I had the privilage of working with Doctor Tierney at Community Hospital in surgery department. He was a friend and teacher. He listened and gave encouragement. He was the most incredible person and surgeon I have ever met. Always smiling and most all like to call me a Rebel. I will always be graeful for what he taught me. Blessing and prayers to you his family.The loss is great
Amy Urbanski
December 3, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Connie Gray, RN
December 3, 2008
Anderson was so blessed that Dr. Tierney chose to come our way allowing his life, his family and practice to blossom in our midst. He will be sorely missed.
Don & Linda Barnes
December 3, 2008
We both have appreciated the skill and personality of Dr. Tierney. He will be even more missed now that he isn't even semi-retired.
Don & Linda Barnes
sean stroud
December 3, 2008
Dr. T. was an amazing surgeon, I graduated with Mary and lost my own father 3 yrs. ago, my thoughts and prayers are with you all, God Bless, Sean Stroud
Dan Woschitz
December 3, 2008
Dear Tierney Family,
I'm so sorry to hear of you loss. We are praying for each of you in your time of sorrow. I remember how Dr. Tierney always took the time to talk and listen to me while I was growing up, which was not always the case with adults. He was always friendly, sincere and encouraging. I’m glad that I knew Dr. Tierney. May God be your comfort.
In Him,
Dan Woschitz
Bill Van Ness
December 3, 2008
I had the privilege of working with Bill for yrs. He cared for many of my patients as well as family members; having saved the life of my son Ben when he was 2 yrs old via an emergency tracheotomy! Bill always served as outstanding example of how to be a physician as well as a human being. I will miss him...Bill VanNess
Nancy Childes Pakes
December 3, 2008
I would like to express my deepest condolences to Mrs. Tierney and Family. Dr. Tierney took over my Mother's medical care to late to save her life but I have always felt that if he had been her Dr. from the beginning she would have lived longer. Thanks to my Mother's good friend and Dr. Tierney's friend as well, Dorothy Smith, we found Dr. Tierney. God wrap his arms around Dr. Tierney and bless him. He will be sadley missed.
Doris Doty
December 3, 2008
Dr. T will live on in the hearts of those who loved him and he will be held by the one who loved him best.
Doris Doty ( Johnson)
Rockford, Illinois
George and Lorraine Mroz
December 3, 2008
DR.Tierney will be greatly missed he was our family surgeon and we owe him so much. our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Cathy Goodwin
December 3, 2008
We would like to send our deepest
condolences to Mrs. Tierney and family. Our thoughts and prayers are
with each and everyone of you. Dr Tierney was a wonderful person and surgeon, who touched many of our lives in this office. He will be sadly missed.
God Bless you all,
Dr. & Mrs. David Martin and staff
Virginia Bagienski, Cathy Goodwin, Linda Carmack, Patricia Scott, Priscilla Johnson & Wendy Etherington
Bobby Symonds
December 3, 2008
An incredible person, the head of an incredible family. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you all during this trying time.
Jeannetta Purdue Rizkalla
December 2, 2008
My deepest condolences to Dr Tierney's wife and family during this difficult time. He will be sadly missed by me and my nursing friends. My thoughts and prayers with you all.
Jeannetta Purdue Rizkalla RN
Brown-Butz-Diedring Funeral Home
December 2, 2008
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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