William Dean Tiegreen, 95, entered his heavenly rest on March 14, 2023, at Westchester Village in Lenexa, Kansas where he joyfully resided the last four years. He was the firstborn and only son of Arnold and Lillian Tiegreen, born on April 7, 1927, in Chanute, Kansas. After graduating from Chanute High School, he served in the U.S. Army during WWII supervising 25-30 postal workers in a U.S. Army post office in Berlin.
As a graduate of Ottawa University, Bill became a math teacher in Menlo, Kansas where he rented a room with the Liester family. While he taught and coached at the high school, a romance began between he and Jackie Liester, and Bill and Jackie were married on June 24, 1951, nearly 72 years ago.
The couple moved to Goodland, Kansas where Bill acquired a new teaching and coaching position at the high school. While at that tenure, the first two of their three children were born. In 1955, the family moved to Kansas City, Kansas where Bill assumed similar positions at Washington High School and their third and youngest child arrived.
In 1958, Bill acquired another teaching and coaching position at Shawnee Mission North High School. Shortly thereafter, in 1959, the family moved to a new home in Merriam, Kansas. Bill later took a position as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director of Shawnee Mission South High School in 1966 when the school opened. He retired from this position in 1992. During this season, the Tiegreens moved to Lenexa in 1973, and resided in the same home until moving into Westchester Village in February of 2019.
Though Bill had many successes and treasured friendships in his career and church family life, his true passion was his relationship with Jesus Christ which began when he was twelve years old. It was this relationship that motivated him in family life, career, and service in the local church where he gave generously and served faithfully in the choir. Though he often spoke of his love for the Lord, his intimacy with Jesus grew even greater during the last four years of his life as he found stable hope in frequent personal study of the Bible and prayer. He was also greatly blessed by the sweet fellowship he had with his new friends at Westchester, sharing meals and devotions with them regularly.
Bill was a treasured, faithful father and a generous and kind “Opa” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His tender, hearty laugh and steady nature was a welcoming lap to each of them. They love and treasure the memories of walks and chats with Opa which included athletic, academic, and spiritual encouragement. Cherished memories of helping him with household projects, taking family trips, and generous gifts are frequently relayed at family gatherings. His kindness has left a lasting imprint on their hearts.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie, his parents, Arnold and Lillian Tiegreen, his sisters, Evelyn Tiegreen and Louise (Tiegreen) Burke, and his grandson, Joel Tiegreen.
He is survived by his three children, Roger (Annette,) Rhonda (Bob O’Neil,) and Randy (Marilyn) Tiegreen, four grandchildren, two grandchildren-in-law, and ten great grandchildren.
Please join us in the celebration service of Bill’s life on Monday, March 20, 2023, at 1:30 PM in Garrett Chapel 2020 E. Sheridan St. Olathe, KS 66062. This location is part of College Church of the Nazarene adjacent to MidAmerica Nazarene University. Private interment to follow.
Bill’s family would like to especially thank his hospice nurse, Danae, the chaplain, Lisa, and his aide, Mercedes along with other support staff of Ascend Hospice for their terrific care and end-of-life support they gave Bill.
The family’s sincere gratefulness is also extended to Bill’s nurses, Bubba and Purity, his CNA, Deborah, the friendly front desk personnel, and ALL of the amazing staff at Westchester Village for their consistently loving care these last four years.
Many beloved family and friends also faithfully visited Bill which was additionally a tremendous gift. Among them included the kind, loving, and consistent prayers and visits shared by the Zelle and Rexroth families along with friends and pastors from Bill’s church families at both College Church and Lenexa Baptist.
All this kind support has been an incredible blessing to Bill and his family!
If you desire, donations may be made in Bill’s honor to College Church of the Nazarene at College Church of the Nazarene - GIVE. Click on drop down arrow and select the choice desired.
Honorary donations may also be given to Shawnee Mission South High School Foundation at Make a Donation - Shawnee Mission South High School (smsd.org)