"My favorite memory of Darren was playing Catch phrase at the beach and we could not guess ?Greatful Dead? instead we came up with Thankful Dead and Darren got the biggest kick out of our ignorance lol. He was a great person. This is heartbreaking that so many of our family are taken from us way to young from the dreadful disease cancer. He will be welcomed by the rest of our family in heaven where he will no longer suffer. For such a great guy he surely did go though a lot of undeserved struggles in his short life. The struggles have ended and you may be in peace Darren. Enjoy paradise. He only takes the best. "
In loving memory of
Darren L. Tietz
November 4, 1967 - June 22, 2021
Darren Tietz, 53, of Algona, died Tuesday at St. Mary's Hospital in Rochester following a courageous eight month battle with pancreatic cancer. His steadfast love of the Lord carried him gracefully through his illness and he never gave up, quietly enduring what he was given each step of the way.
Darren Lee Tietz, son of Don Tietz and Shirley (Budd) Tietz, was born on November 4, 1967 in Algona, Iowa. Darren grew up in Algona and graduated from Algona High School in 1986. He was active in sports, playing football and wrestling. Darren attended Iowa State University and graduated with a business degree in 1990. He was an active member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. Many of his life-long friendships were made during his time at ISU.
Darren spent his career in construction and real estate development and worked side by side with his dad in Algona. He enjoyed fishing, biking, rugby and most of all football. Rarely did he miss a home game at Iowa State University and he was well-known for his homemade cinnamon rolls at the tail gate parties.
Darren was an active member of Grace Church in Algona where he was baptized on April 14th, 2013. He served on the board of Trustees and in hospitality. He loved his church and church family and lived in a way that truly attracted others to his faith.
To know Darren was to love him. He was a loyal friend, devoted family member, and humble servant who was always ready to offer a helping hand and never sought personal recognition in his actions. His doors were always open and he loved having people around at the many get-togethers he hosted. He had a huge heart and treated everyone he knew with tremendous kindness and compassion.
It goes without saying how greatly he will be missed, but we rejoice in knowing he was welcomed into heaven with great celebration and will live eternally with his Lord and Savior. We will not mourn as those without hope as we look forward to that wonderful day when we will see him again!
Darren leaves behind his father Don of Algona and mother Shirley of Gig Harbor, WA; his sister Lisa and her husband Torsten of Gig Harbor, WA; nieces Baylee Shaner and her husband Luke of Newburyport, MA and Chloe Arnold of Gig Harbor, WA, nephews Brennan and Caden Arnold of Gig Harbor, WA; his aunt and uncle Wayne and Becky Tietz of Algona; many devoted cousins in Iowa and in Florida whom he was very close to; friends who were like family and his dog Stogie who was his constant companion.
A memorial service was held Saturday, July 10, 2021, at 10:30 AM at Grace Church in Algona.
Tributes
"I send my sympathy to all of you in Darren\'s family I remember watching Darren and Joel playing football and combining rides with Shirley. Those were fun days. Darren was a great guy. He had too much potential to be taken so young. May the Lord wrap his loving arms around you for comfort and peace. Laurel Fantz Anderson "
"We are so sorry for your loss. our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"My sincere sympathy to the family. I am so saddened to hear this news. I will be thinking of you during this trying time Maureen Ruhnke Thilges"
"Deepest Sympathy to you Don,Shirley, Lisa and Family with the loss of Darren.
Lots of Grrat Memories with Darren.
Keeping you ALL in our thoughts and prayers!!
THE SEWICKS, RANDY,LORI AND FAMILY!!"
"Deepest Sympathy to you Don, Shirley,Lisa and Family with the loss of"
"Deepest Sympathy to you Don, Shirley,Lisa and Family with the loss of"
"I am so sorry to hear about Darren. He was such a positive person I never once heard him complain. I used to babysit Darren and Lisa many years ago. Algona truly lost an awesome citizen. Darren you will be missed. God Bless "
"My sympathy to Don and Shirley and family. My heart goes out to at the loss of your son. Blessings Roseann Gifford."
"Don and family, you have our deepest sympathies. Darren was a kind guy. May your memories help you in the days ahead. ?Rick & Deb Schutter and family "
"Shirley and Don, you brought a wonderful person into this world and a great friend to many including me. His kindness brought out the good in those who were fortunate enough to know him. He made a difference in my life, and I am forever grateful. "
"It\'s sad to lose such a great person. We always enjoyed seeing Darren and tailgating at ISU games. His cinnamon rolls were the best. We will miss him at Jack Trice this year."
"I am heartsick to learn of this loss of a great guy. He always did the best and never heard complaints from him. He never spoke an ill thing of anyone. Always helpful and upbeat. He will be missed. "
"So sorry to hear of Darren\'s passing. He was always so helpful to us when we were preparing for an event at the beautiful Tietz property. Our prayers surround you at this difficult time, Don. Wendell and Donna Steven"
"Fun times at Kids Zone in the kitchen with Darren. He made the best pound cake ever. We will miss you! Dave and Vicky Rich"
"my heartfelt prayers to the Tietz families on their loss. Darren is gone much too soon but his suffering is over-he fought the fight and finished the race. Cherish the memories and know Darren is in \'\'GOD\'S HEAVENLY HOME\'\' Now. You will be missed but never forgotten. Rest In Peace. With Heartfelt Prayers And Love, Mark J. VonBank- Park Rapids, Mn.-[formerly of Algona, Iowa]."
"Darren was always a good sport, smiling and just a joy to have around. We will miss him."