Howard H. Tiemens age 97, passed away on December 23rd, at Sanford Sheldon Hospital in Sheldon. His services will be at a later date with the Vander Ploeg Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
Howard was born on September 3, 1927, the second of four children born to Herman and Anna Mae (Kaiser) Tiemens. The Herman Tiemens family lived in Archer, Iowa, where Howard received his education, played sports, and played the clarinet in the school band. He graduated valedictorian of his senior class (comprised of 8 students, Howard often quipped). Determined to serve in World War II, Howard enlisted in the Army Air Forces, the predecessor of the US Air Force. He was trained as a cryptographic technician in Biloxi, Mississippi and stationed in the Philippines. Upon returning from the service, he attended Sheldon Junior College.
As a young boy, Howard grew fond of his sister’s friend Darlene Vollink who frequently visited the Tiemens’ home. When Darlene moved to Fort Dodge to teach, he enrolled at Iowa State to be closer to her but would soon return to Archer for job opportunities with a local construction company and in the County Treasurer’s office. When Darlene was given an opportunity to teach in Archer, the two were reunited. They were married on June 26, 1949, and lived in the home Howard built for his bride. Together they had four children.
Howard was appointed deputy by the county sheriff in 1951. In 1956 the family moved to Primghar when Howard was elected O’Brien County Sheriff, a position he held until 1966. At that time, he accepted an offer to become a Juvenile Court Officer, eventually serving several counties throughout NW Iowa. The family moved to Sheldon where his new office was located, and he served in this position until his retirement in 1992. Howard maintained an entrepreneurial spirit throughout his lifetime and from 1966 to1975, he and Darlene built, owned and operated Rest Haven Manor in Primghar. Music played an important role in Howard’s life as well and he shared his resonate baritone voice with his family, church and community wherever it was needed, often as a duet with Darlene or with the full family chorus.
His civic involvement included memberships in the United Methodist Church, the Primghar American Legion Post #36, the Masonic Lodge #331, and the State Sheriff’s Association. Howard had a positive impact on many lives due to his dedication to serving others. Throughout his lifetime, the family frequently received expressions of gratitude on his behalf. His generous spirit will be remembered by many.
Left to cherish his memory are Darlene Vollink Tiemens, his wife of 75 and a half years, and their four children: Mark Tiemens, Linda Tiemens, Teresa McWilliams, and Debora Tiemens; three devoted grandsons: Nic (Katherine) Tiemens, Joel (Stephanie) McWilliams, Kyle (Allie) McWilliams, and five beautiful great-grandchildren: Aubree, Ashtyn and Alivia McWilliams, Archer McWilliams, and Madeline Tiemens; his sister-in-law Jean Tiemens, and six nieces and four nephews. His family was a source of immense pride and joy. All are left with many fond memories of family times filled with love and laughter (often evoked by Howard’s sense of humor).
Howard is preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law Marenus and Winifred Vollink; his sister Melva (Earl) Henspeter, brother Robert (Patricia) Tiemens, brother Theodore Tiemens, sister-in-law Elma (Ted) Macur, and his nephew, Randy (Janet) Macur. Countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends are also among those welcoming him into the Fold.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
