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1951 - 2018

John Tietjen

1951 - 2018

Obituary

Guest Book

BORN

1951

DIED

2018

About

El Cerrito High School University of California| Berkeley

John Tietjen Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Jan. 6 to Jan. 9, 2018.

John Campbell Tietjen

June 29, 1951 - Jan 2, 2018

John Tietjen lost his twenty-year battle with Parkinson's Disease on January 2, 2018. John was a beloved high school teacher and counselor at Pinole Valley High for 32 years, ending his career at Hercules High where he helped set up the counseling department. He was very popular with his students, and helped hundreds of them get into college with his expert knowledge in this area.
John was a 1972 graduate of U.C. Berkeley and a thirty-year resident in Orinda. He enjoyed all sports, particularly college football and basketball, and was a devoted fan to his beloved Golden Bears. Prior to attending Cal, he was a student and basketball player at El Cerrito High School and attended Cragmont Elementary for K-5.
John is survived by his only child, daughter Elizabeth Kate, his pride and joy. John has one brother, Robert, in Studio City, as well as a good friend in his ex-wife Karen, and her husband John Kucharski. He also remained close with his dear friend and best man in his wedding, Eric Lindquist of Piedmont. The family would like to acknowledge and say thank you to John's excellent doctors and his walking companion, Jim Walsh of Rossmoor.
Parkinson's ravaged his body, but his spirit remained until the end. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. There will be no memorial as was his wish. Friends may make a small donation in his name to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or have a visit to Fenton's Creamery in Oakland, his favorite haunt.

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Recent Activity

December 31, 2023

Victoria Minchillo Kinyon posted to the memorial.

July 9, 2023

Dawn Vaughan posted to the memorial.

January 1, 2023

Victoria posted to the memorial.

42 Entries

Victoria Minchillo Kinyon

December 31, 2023

Mr.Tietjen is one of the 5 in my entire life who changed the trajectory of my life. When I was in great despair, hopeless and full of grief... he refused to accept my apathy. He helped me find a way through. I am forever grateful to my teacher, counselor, guide and colleague. I would love to share my memories with family if anyone would like to reach out to me.

Dawn Vaughan

July 9, 2023

Mr Tietjen was my government teacher in 1989/90 and my counselor. He got me interested in current events and taught me to do my own taxes. I need to thank him, because I never would have gone to college without him pushing me to. He was a great man.

Victoria

January 1, 2023

Mr. Tietjen meant so much to me. He truly changed my life by providing so much needed support after my sister died. He saw my potential and kept pushing me when I needed it most. RIP

Laura Nicoli

August 5, 2022

He was my teacher his first year as a student teacher. A wonderful man and he made a difference in his students lives. So very sorry.

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Antonio Mena

April 7, 2019

Mr. Tietjen was my American Government teacher in 1977-78 when I was a senior at P.V.H.S. To this day I remember many of the wise insights he had. Best teacher I ever had, he impacted my life in a very positive way.
My condolences to his family and friends.

Lorrie Hammond

February 22, 2018

John was my teacher at PVHS. I loved his class so much, I took it twice. I didn't want to miss one word he said. That was 38 years ago, and I use what he taught me almost every day. I thank him from the bottom of my heart. What a wonderful man.

Susie Haufler

February 5, 2018

I met John in 1974 when I was a Junior at PVHS. He was a gifted teacher that emphasized how important it is to actually process your own thoughts before you speak. He was emphatic when he would say us, "THINK, THINK!". This made a big impact on me, and I even today find myself hearing his words and recalling his gestures as he would say this.

John was an incredibly popular teacher... he definitely brought a spark to the school, and from the sound of the tributes here, he maintained his passion and for teaching as the years went on.

John was also a good friend after high school, as he married my best friend, Karen Christensen.The three of us
had many fun times together, from just hanging out in Berkeley, to spending holidays together. I was there when his daughter Liz was just a day old. He was such a devoted and proud father! And for good reason... He raised an intelligent and talented daughter!

John had a wealth of knowledge of history, world politics, and finance, which he could impart in a way that made it all interesting. I can't imagine how great it would have been to have John as a parent when it was time to sit down and do homework!

John was blessed to have Karen in his life, as she was not only a devoted wife, but also a devoted friend. She was there for him throughout his illness, giving of her time and energy.

John will be remembered by many of his students as someone who made a lasting impact on their lives. A life well lived.

gary keyes

February 4, 2018

John, I don't know you but I have carried Karen in my heart for decades.
I know you must have been above and beyond all men to have captured the spirit of a most tender heart. I pray you are in peace.
Gary Keyes

Mary Lindquist

January 30, 2018

I was honored to join John's family and friends at a celebration of his life on 1/27/18. John, your commitment to justice, love of family and droll sense of humor will be greatly missed! I will treasure the memories of Cal football games and Sigma Nu gatherings always

Karen Tietjen-Kucharski

January 27, 2018

Today we gave John's ashes back to the earth in one of his favorite places in Moraga, California. His brother, Robert, his close friend, Eric Lindquist, his daughter Elizabeth, and a few other close family members were in attendance. It was a gorgeous, sunny afternoon as we paid our last respects to one of the finest, most generous souls who ever lived here on earth. He was scattered with his beloved pets in a beautiful meadow by the creek. We all went together to Fenton's Creamery in Piedmont to love and remember him in one of his other favorite places. Black and Tans were had all round! John, we will all carry you with us every day. Rest in Peace. You are loved. your forever friend, Karen Tietjen-Kucharski

MaryEllen Ramsey

January 27, 2018

Mr. T! I remember with great fondness being his "guinea pig" during my senior year (1981) when he was studying to get his counseling degree. Since I had good grades, I would skip English class once a week and meet with him to take all kinds of tests, like aptitude tests including one that gave me the most thorough read-out of what I should do "when I grew up". I'd forgotten about those results until years later I ran across the result summary and darn if I didn't end up doing what it had suggested! He was such a warm, funny guy. I remember one story he told about UC Berkeley and how he was thankful for the riots (the first riots in 1964) because the school cancelled finals (at least some of them) and he credited this as the only reason he passed one of his classes. He also said that while the rioters raged on Telegraph Avenue, the fraternities up the hill two blocks away were having parties! He had a big impact on my life, like a great teacher should.

Victoria Minchillo

January 22, 2018

Dear Elizabeth,
Your dad really changed my life...My sister died while I was a senior in his Government Class. For the next 2 months, he became a grief counselor, mentor, teacher and believed in me. I later worked with him at PVHS and Hercules High. I am so incredibly grateful that I was able to thank him in person.
He often talked lovingly about you in our class. He was one proud Dad..
Rest in peace Mr. Tietjen.

Christina Chavez

January 17, 2018

I'm sad to hear Mr. Tietjen has passed away. I graduated in 1988, he was my history teacher at PVHS. I remember him as a tough but fair and kind teacher. He expected good work from you and made you want to deliver it. Rest in Peace.

January 15, 2018

One of my favorite teachers at PVHS, he was kind and caring and taught more than the subject matter at hand. He was interested in the welfare of his students, a great teacher and an inspiration. My thoughts go to his friends and family.

elisabeth delakovias

January 14, 2018

Mr. Tietjen was a great teacher and coach for water polo. I worked with his wife Karen at Luckys and always thought she was a lucky lady because he was so wonderful.

Kristi Walker

January 14, 2018

Mr. Tienen was one of my favorite teacher's. I'm sad to hear of his passing. I always remember him with a big smile and a lot of patience. I know he had a big impact on many students, teaching us and preparing us for adulthood and real life.
I am so sorry for your loss.

LICIA Avolicino

January 13, 2018

Had American government. (I think that's the class) he was always predictable as in a nice mellow man .
There's a new angle in town .... God bless his loved ones during this sad time.

Laura Wilson

January 13, 2018

Thank you Mr. T for being such a caring and awesome teacher to so many of us. I am not exaggerating when I say that the lessons you right me in Dollars & Sense (which was such a sought after class to get into btw!) are values that I carry with me to this day. We were so very very lucky to have your in our corner. I wish I appreciated it more back then, but I sure do now. Thank you. God bless your family and friends & nay you rest peacefully. ~ Laura Wilson, class of 1981

Patrick Fleming

January 12, 2018

I took US Government from Mr Tiejen in 1990/91 and he taught me the importance of being an informed and conscientious citizen.

Thank you, My thoughts are with you and your family.

Teresa Gutierrez Silvestri

January 11, 2018

One of my most favorite teachers. He inspired all of us to do our best and made a huge difference in our lives. My deepest condolences to his loved ones. Thank you for making the world a better place, Mr. Tietjen. RIP.

Cindi Hadsell

January 10, 2018

You were my all time favorite teacher! I had you for American Government in 1977 and you did an awesome job teaching us teens about the real world. I think of you often and the valuable lessons you taught me and others. Thank you for being, in my opinion, the best, most down to earth teacher. You will be missed. RIP Mr. Tietjen

Candi jackson

January 10, 2018

Coming from a blue collar family, I had no idea of how to complete a college application. He took the time to review my essay and application . With his help, I was admitted to his Alma Mater in 1985. He made a difference in so many lives.

Gloria Rezentes Delgado

January 10, 2018

I am sad to hear of Mr Tietjen's passing. He was a gifted teacher that inspired. I fondly recall many classes beginning with verbal sparring between us; all in good fun. I returned to PVHS years later to say hi and to thank him. May he rest in peace.

January 9, 2018

I remember Mr. Tietjen from High School .. so sorry to read of his passing... I send my deepest condolences to all of his family and friends in Jesus Name I pray... Lord, comfort and heal....

Alicia Wesley class of 82 PVHS

Andy Schlegel c/o 1994

January 9, 2018

I was not a a good student in high school, but I somehow ended up in Mr T's highly sought after American Government class and Economics class. He was an excellent teacher and one of the few that I think about to this day. I remember he refused to tell us any of his political opinions because he wanted us to think for ourselves and form our own opinions. One of my favorite high school teachers for sure.

Sorry to hear of his passing. Will always remember him.

kurt pless

January 9, 2018

I had Mr T. for American Gov back in 1977. yea 40 years ago he was very good at what he did and taught us very well about what the future would hold for us. even tho we were to young to know it at the time it sure has come in handy with us now. R I P John.

Monica Bruno (Ramirez)

January 9, 2018

Very sad to hear about Mr. Tietjen. I was not a very good student. I had some personal problems and was able to talk to him about them. I then got some counseling. Wish I would have listened better to him. He was a good man and awesome teacher who genuinely cared about his students. My condolences to his family.

Kim Tigue-Jones

January 9, 2018

I have fond memories of Mr. Tietjen from my days at PVHS. He was one of 3 class sponsors for the class of 1982. These 3 formed the most amazing group of inspired teachers and mentors! Many of our classmates followed in Mr. Tietjen's footsteps and graduated from CAL; I believe there were over 20 of us from our class alone! I am saddened to hear of his loss and send my condolences to his family. Thanking Michael J Fox for raising awareness and forming this foundation to fund research into ending this debilitating and devastating disease. There's a Black and Tan in my future with your name on it, Mr. T! With fond remembrance,

Elizabeth Salmeron (Zugman)

January 9, 2018

My condolences to the family and friends of Mr. John Teitjen, aka Mr. T. I'd have to say that he was one of the most passionate teachers I ever had. He REALLY wanted his students to use their brains and be independant thinkers. A true educator. Thank you Mr. T for your dedication to your students. Rest easy Mr. T and bless your soul. Class of '91

Vincent Rodarte

January 9, 2018

Rip MR T from hercules high class of 2004!!! You were my pvhs counselor freshman year,I kno we didn't see eye to eye in those days but you were always my favorite counselor, a serious but fair man, cuz polk didnt like me for whatever reason lol, but you were respected by all you helped! You will be missed! Rip Mr T!

Rebecca Rae

January 9, 2018

Oh, this news finds me so sad this morning! Mr Tietjen was a one of a kind teacher; cheery disposition, great sense of humor and encouraged common sense critical analysis. His real skill was asking the right questions to help the student's synapses fire in just the right way to lead them to the answer themselves. He wasn't just a teacher to the college bound either but was thoroughly engaged in all of his students, determined that they would all be the best citizens they could be. He was a real asset to PVHS and I am grateful he was my teacher.

Reby Rae
Class of 1991

Kerry Walker

January 9, 2018

A remarkable teacher, so down to earth and relatable. He had a great sense of humor and a sincere desire for his students to be successful and winners at the game life. Sad to hear of his passing.

Scott Morris

January 8, 2018

Mr Tierjen was, by far, the most influential teacher in my life. He was my senior year Government teacher in 1989. He was tough on me when he should have been, and understanding when I needed a little help. He was a great teacher and mentor, and his influence will be greatly missed. Godspeed sir, and prayers for your family.

Debbie Cyr

January 8, 2018

I was just thinking about him . He was an Incredible caring teacher . I loved his classes Dollars and sense ......!
He had such passion for instilling values in young people's minds . My favorite teacher by far .

January 8, 2018

What a nice teacher. Loved the sound of his voice ❤

Ashley Figueroa

January 8, 2018

I'm so sad to hear of Mr. Tietjen's passing. He was such a sweet, kind teacher/counselor. The world has lost a wonderful soul. My prayers and condolences to his family and friends.
Ashley Figueroa (Conrad)
Pinole Valley High School, C/O 2001

Kareem Lanier

January 8, 2018

I also recall how he seemed to have a soft spot in heart for animals. One day, there was a dog running loose at PV. It had apparently been there for most of the day. Mr. T had seen it earlier in the morning. It was a Siberian Husky. That afternoon during lunch period, Mr. T told me that he saw the dog and wanted me to see if I could get it to his classroom where he could give it some water. It was a particularly hot day and he said the dog looked like it was very thirsty. He told me, "if you can bring that husky back here to my classroom, I will think a little more highly of you." So, I took that as a bit of an underhanded, obscure compliment but decided to go search for this husky. Weird, because I had never done anything like that. After about 15 minutes, I located the dog and brought it back to his classroom. When Mr. T opened the door, he saw me with the husky which was panting heavily. I could tell Mr. T was happy and surprised to see me there with the dog. But he kept his cool about himself. He always kept his cool about himself.

Kareem Lanier

January 8, 2018

I remember when I had him for Algebra. I was sitting in classroom. Mr. T arranged the desks in his classroom like a big "U" with desks along the sides of the classroom and an open area in the center. He often sat at a desk toward the center and taught the lesson from there. That way, he kept his eyes on us and we could see him. The classroom was always quiet as he spoke. He had compelled us to not to talk when he talked. Lol. On this particular day, I was eating peanut M&Ms while he was teaching the lesson. One of the candies dropped from my hand just as I was placing it into my mouth. It fell and hit the hard plastic seat with a loud noise. I tried to catch it but it bounced off the seat and hit the floor. But it didn't stop there. It rolled waaaaay out in the open, in plain view of everyone (who giggled) and Mr. T. There it was resting right there on floor directly in front of him. He eyes turned from the M&M to me. He was not amused. He just gave me that stare. I will never forget that moment.

Amy Maurer-Bostrom

January 8, 2018

Mr. Tietjen .. what a wonderful teacher. I am saddened to hear of your passing. I hope you know how much you meant to so many who passed through the halls of PVHS. Especially this one, who signed up for two of your classes my senior year. You will be missed. ~Amy ('85)

Nikki Cooper Johnson

January 8, 2018

Mr.Tietjen was my absolute favorite teacher. Im so sorry to hear of his lengthy battle with Parkinson's and his passing. Rest in Peace Mr. T.

Denise Senior

January 8, 2018

Oh no. That is so sad. May the Angels guide him in. He was one of my favorite teachers and actually taught useful things - how to do your taxes, how to purchase a vehicle , etc. Im sorry to hear he left us too soon.

Devyn Morris

January 8, 2018

Mr. Teitjen really was the best counselor any student could ask for. He was honest, full of incite and wisdom, and more than anything extremely ENCOURAGING. He never let me believe I couldn't achieve anything I wanted academically or more. Even when I was screwing up, he'd remind me that I could still recover and thrive. I never felt like a burden & always felt his genuine passion for his students. He would let me sit in his office when i was overwhelmed. I wouldn't have accomplished as much as I did without him and he was one of my biggest cheerleaders at graduation and even after. There were ppl who graduated AFTER me who would tell me he'd use me as an example of one of his successful students.

As hurt as I am today to hear of this world's loss, I feel nothing but GRATITUDE for having been blessed with his presence and work. Thank you Mr. Teitjen for enhancing my high school experience and being a mentor in my life. And to the students who didn't have him as a counselor, I hope you have someone as great as he was.

#weloveyou #rih #rip

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