JAMES TIETJE

James N. Tietje, 61, of Neenah, died Wednesday, May 16, 2012, at Theda Clark Medical Center. Jim was born March 18, 1951, in Reedsburg, the son of the late Reinhold and Norma (Vonderohe) Tietje. He was a graduate of Reedsburg High School and continued school at UW-LaCrosse before transferring to UW-Oshkosh and earning his Masters degree in Special Education. Jim was united in marriage to Carolyn J. Morton on July 24, 1971, in Reedsburg. He was employed first with the former Gillingham School in Neenah and then with the Neenah High School as a special education teacher for many years. Jim was a fun, loving, caring man with great strength, faith, and humility. He was passionate about helping people with disabilities, and spent his life as their greatest advocate. He loved the outdoors, gardening, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, camping, hiking, biking, traveling, and working with stained glass. He had a wonderful sense of humor, and was a very proud father and grandfather. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn; their children: Heather Tietje (fiance Tim Schiesser), Erin (Matt) Porsche, and Mike (Heather) Tietje, all of Neenah; his beloved grandchildren: Dominic and Kiara Doucette, Morgan Porsche, and an expectant baby girl; two brothers: Gerry (Claire) Tietje and family, San Diego, CA, and Bill (Sheila) Tietje and family, San Luis Obispo, CA; two sisters: Norene (Andy) Shultis and family, Madison, and Judy (Greg) Curless and family, of Fitchburg; his father and mother-in-law, Wally and Gladys Morton, Neenah; two brothers-in-law: Wally Morton and family, Lake Delton, and Cliff (Connie) Morton and family, New London; a sister-in-law, Marilyn (Buddy) Pope and family, Auburndale, FL; his canine buddy, Gus; and many dear friends. The memorial service for Jim will be Saturday, May 19, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Neenah, with Rev. Stephen Dietzler of St. Mark Lutheran Church officiating. The family will receive friends Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of the service at the church. A memorial fund in Jims honor is being established by the family. Jims family would like to express their special thanks to family and friends that have been so supportive, to the medical staff at Theda Clark, and to Pastor Steve and the St. Mark Lutheran Church family.