Ronald "Ron" Tiehen

Ronald "Ron" Tiehen, 82, of Norman, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 7, 2025.

Ron was born in California, the first son of Robert "Bob" Leo and Anna Marian Tiehen. He spent his early years in Falls City, Nebraska, where his father worked for Skelly Oil Company, before the family relocated to Wilson, Oklahoma. Even as a young boy, Ron's adventurous spirit shone through-at just seven years old, he climbed the town's water tower, foreshadowing a lifetime of curiosity and determination.

When Skelly struck a major oilfield, the family settled in Velma, Oklahoma, where Ron enjoyed a full and active youth. He excelled academically and athletically, graduating as salutatorian of the Velma-Alma High School Class of 1961, serving as class president, and playing both baseball and basketball. He remained close with many classmates throughout his life, faithfully attending class reunions. His youth was also filled with adventures: breaking his arm while horseback riding (and breaking his arm again in his 60's during his "motorcycle phase"), working summers at a magneto and mechanic shop, and later running a roustabout oilfield crew with his high school friends. Whether at his family's garage game room, the "teen hut" downtown, or along the creek bottoms of Velma, Ron forged lifelong friendships and memories.

After high school, Ron was offered scholarships to both Oklahoma Military Academy and St. Gregory's College. He chose St. Gregory's in Shawnee, Oklahoma, on a basketball scholarship, before transferring to the University of Oklahoma. There, he served as a dorm counselor and graduated at the top of his class with a degree in Business Administration. Ron thrived at OU both academically and socially, known for his no-nonsense approach paired with quick wit and humor.

In 1967, as the Vietnam War escalated, Ron entered the U.S. Air Force and was commissioned as an officer. Two years later, in 1969, he married the love of his life, Rene "Penny" Tiehen. Together they raised two children while moving from base to base across the U.S. and Canada during his 20 years of dedicated military service. Ron retired with the rank of Major, having served his country with distinction.

Following his military career, Ron worked as a logistics manager for several companies, including Brown Group, JoAnn's, McCrory's, and most recently Shaklee in Norman. He also nurtured his love of travel and the outdoors, planning family vacations throughout his life to destinations such as Disney World and Yellowstone, and later enjoying fishing trips to Galveston, Alaska, Minnesota, and Michigan. He recently returned from a road trip with his son to Upper Michigan, where he told friends and family what a great time he had spending a week relaxing, enjoying the cool weather, and getting out on the water.

Ron was an exceptional father, remembered by his children as a role model who set high expectations while leading with integrity, generosity, and love. He guided by example, offering wisdom on life, family, and finances, and instilled in them the importance of kindness and always doing what is right. Faith was also central to his life-he taught Sunday School, served as a confirmation mentor, and believed deeply in investing in the next generation. His commitment to shaping character extended to the ballfield and basketball court as well, where he coached his children's sports teams with a blend of encouragement, high standards, and a deep love for the game. Known for his sharp intelligence and quick wit, Ron also had a lighthearted side; his one-liners, stories, and "dad jokes" continue to spark smiles and laughter among family and friends.

A lifelong believer in staying active, Ron was an avid runner in his 30s and 40s and later became a familiar face at the Norman YMCA. When running became more difficult, he turned to swimming, challenging himself daily with lap goals and embracing it as the cornerstone of his later years. Beyond fitness, he had an engineer's curiosity and loved tinkering-repairing boats, jet skis, motorcycles, lawn equipment, cars, and just about anything mechanical. He took great satisfaction in bringing broken things "back to life," a talent that reflected both his patience and his determination.

Above all, Ron cherished time with his family and friends. His kindness, integrity, humor, and steadfast love will be remembered by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed by family, friends and his network of supportive neighbors.

Ron was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Rene "Penny" Tiehen; his sister, Geraldine Ann "Jerriann" Smith; and his parents. He is survived by his children, Christine (Cary) Rochman and Brian (Leigh) Tiehen; his brother, Richard (Linda) Tiehen; and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Sunday, October 19 at 2:00 PM Havenbrook Funeral Home, 3401 Havenbrook St, Norman, Oklahoma, 73072. In lieu of flowers, donations to the American Heart Association or other charity would be greatly appreciated.