Eleanor E. Tietze

Eleanor E. Tietze, 96, died July 24, 2014 at home following a long illness. She was the wife of Duane R. Tietze, who died in 2002.

Eleanor was born October 1, 1917 in Beatrice, Nebraska, the daughter of John R. and Myrtle H. Huttenmaier. A graduate of Beatrice High School, Eleanor received a Bachelor's degree in home economics education from the University of Nebraska. She taught high school in Hebron, Nebraska then received a Master's degree in early childhood development with a minor in psychology from the University of Nebraska. She taught in the College of Home Economics at the University of Nebraska for several years during and after WWII, and then at Kansas State University in the Department of Home Economics.

Eleanor married Duane R. Tietze on August 11, 1946 in Beatrice Nebraska. After moving to Topeka in 1953, she taught at Community Preschool and then became the director of the preschool at Family Service and Guidance Center. She then finished her career as the director of Community Preschool, retiring in 1982. After retirement, Eleanor was an active volunteer with several organizations, including Meals on Wheels. Eleanor liked to travel, especially to the Rocky Mountains, where she enjoyed day hiking, the wildflowers and seeing the wildlife. She enjoyed playing the flute, piano, and organ and was an accomplished cook, seamstress and avid reader.

Eleanor is survived by two sons, Dennis (Annie) Tietze, Topeka and Kevin (Lorrie) Tietze, Castle Rock, Colorado; a daughter, Karen Tietze, Glen Mills, PA; six grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, a sister, Mildred Huttenmaier, Minneapolis, MN, and a brother, Ronald (Helen) Huttenmaier, North Tonawanda, NY. A brother, Elmore (Naomi) Huttenmaier, preceded her in death.

Mrs. Tietze was a 56 year member of the First United Methodist Church.

Cremation and a private memorial service in Colorado are planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First United Methodist Church or Midland Hospice.