Douglas August Tietjen

Douglas August Tietjen, a physical therapist and resident of Commerce, TX, died unexpectedly on March 4, 2017 at the age of 71 while doing yard work at his home.

Doug is survived by his wife, Sherri Dee Tietjen (née Spitsnogle) of Commerce, TX; his children, daughter Tara Tietjen-Smith and her husband Steve Smith of Cumby, TX, daughter Shana Jump and husband Robert Jump of Bossier City, LA, son Eric Tietjen and wife Stephanie Tietjen of Shreveport, LA, son Bret Tietjen and fiancee’ Tasha Griffith of Paris, TX; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Isabella, Katherine, and Benjamin Jump; Ayla and Bryce Smith; Elizabeth Tietjen, Aidan Youngblood; and Zayne Tietjen. He is survived by his brothers, Dwight Tietjen, Jr. and his wife Glende of Shreveport, LA, and Kim Tietjen and his wife Joan of DeWitt, NE; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and other close family.

Doug is preceded in death by his parents Dwight and Eleanor Tietjen, sister Candy Tietjen and two grandsons, William Michael Jump and Earon Malachi Tietjen.

Doug was born in Beatrice, NE, on January 31, 1946 to Dwight, Sr., and Eleanor Tietjen. He graduated from the Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS, in 1968 where he was a member of the basketball team. He received his Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, in 1970. On June 2, 1968, he married Sherri, a medical technician that he met while at Kansas State. They would have celebrated their 49th anniversary this year.

Doug and his brother, Dwight, started a physical therapy business in Shreveport, LA, in 1970 called Tietjen Physical Therapy. They were in business for 47 years until his retirement in 2007. He and his wife, Sherri, moved to Commerce, TX, to live near their eldest daughter. Doug continued to work in various nursing homes throughout northeast Texas until his death.

Doug was a devoted father, “papa,” and family man. He enjoyed sitting on the front porch of his country home and reading the paper. He loved to be outdoors, sitting on the beach, snow skiing, lifting weights, working in the yard, or planning the Tietjen Annual Crab Trip. He enjoyed getting together with his family; he doted on his 4 children and 9 grandchildren. He was in constant motion, always doing for others and not himself. He is beloved by many who knew him, and will be remembered for his acerbic wit, commanding presence, and “tell it like it is” attitude. He will be deeply missed by his friends and family.

A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on March 11 at the First Baptist Church in Commerce, Texas. Dr. LaVelle Hendricks will officiate. Flowers, donations and condolences may be offered at 4561 CR 4400, Commerce, TX, 75428.