Charles Tiedemann Obituary

Charles "Chuck" Tiedemann, 82, of Indianola, was called home by his Heavenly Father on May 23, 2025. A celebration of his life will be held on June 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Saint Charles Parish, 305 W. Main St, Saint Charles, Iowa 50240. Chuck's family will receive family & friends to visit and share memories on Monday, June 2nd, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Charles Parish. Memorials may be made to the Children's Craniofacial Association, ccakids.org, in honor of Chuck's great grandson, whom he adored. Chuck was a very generous man, and as a final gift, he donated his body to science. Due to this donation, cremation will be delayed, and military burial honors will be held at a later date at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel.
Charles Clifford Tiedemann was born on July 20, 1942, to Clarence and Bessie Mae Tomlinson Tiedemann, the baby of six children born to the couple. Chuck was born in Guthrie Center, Iowa and around the age of 12, his family moved to Derby, Iowa. He graduated from Derby High School with the Class of 1960. He liked to brag that he dated every girl in his class – although there were only eight students in his class.
Chuck was drafted in 1964 and served in the Army for two years. After receiving a speeding ticket for drag racing (he had a wild side in his younger years), his service in the Army was changed from motor pool to a cook. His outgoing personality and amazing cooking skills won over a two-star general, who assigned Chuck to be his personal chef. He spent most of his time while in the Army at Fort Gordon in Georgia. In his spare time, he found creative ways to earn extra money, one of which was operating a pizza truck and selling pizza to the enlisted men on the base.
After leaving the service in 1966, Chuck worked on a farm for four years for Ralph Halferty, whom he considered a father figure. Chuck remained close with Ralph over the years, and after he was married and had children, their family spent many weekends with Ralph and his wife Faye on their farm. They loved playing cards, enjoying treats from Ralph & Faye's garden, telling jokes, eating delicious meals, laughing, and loving one another.
On September 21, 1968, Chuck married the love of his life, Dianna Shields. To this union, Chuck and Dianna were blessed with two children, Ann and Bill, who were Chuck and Dianna's pride and joy.
Chuck's career was that of a "car guy". He was in the auto parts industry in several different areas for over 38 years. He owned Chuck's Auto Supply in Indianola and then Adair; he worked for Central Tractor and Quality Auto in Mason City. After relocating to Arkansas and then Oklahoma during the later years of his career, he worked as an outside salesman. During this time while traveling for work, Chuck would often walk the local business districts and search for unique gifts to bring home to Dianna, which she always loved and cherished. He loved to surprise her with special gifts. Chuck eventually worked for and retired from one of his favorite places, Anglen Diesel in Pocola, Oklahoma, where he was a valued employee.
Before eventually returning home to Iowa after retirement to be closer to family, Chuck and Dianna lived in Pocola, Oklahoma in their dream home. They enjoyed visits from their family and friends. They loved playing games, enjoying Chuck's wonderful cooking, and swimming in their pool. Chuck's generosity and kindness, along with his great sense of humor, made everyone feel comfortable around him. Another fun fact about Chuck, he could fix ANYTHING (often with Duck Tape or zip ties). He was very inventive, intelligent, and was a tremendously hard worker. He loved a good joke, and the world will not be the same without his light, his love for life, and sense of humor, which kept his family and friends amused.
Chuck's faith never wavered, and he enjoyed being a part of his church family. He loved participating in his church's men's group and Bible studies. His ability to tell stories attributed to him being a natural leader, bringing excitement and growth to these groups. Chuck took it upon himself to always make sure the candles at church were lit. In his words, these candles were the "Light of Christ".
It is difficult to express how much Chuck will be greatly missed by those who loved him. Especially his wife of 56 years, Dianna Tiedemann; his daughter, Ann (Matt) Borseth-Grubb; his son, Wm (Bill) Charles (Cheri) Tiedemann; grandchildren: Megan (Blake) Tebbe, Chayse Grubb, Max Borseth, Madeline Grubb, Lucas (Kimberly) Borseth, William Borseth, Korey Grubb, Jordyn (Brandon) Becker, Samuel (Emily) Tiedemann, and Celia Tiedemann; great grandchildren: Sawyer and Hallie; along with many relatives and friends.
As much as his family will miss the patriarch of their family, they are comforted in knowing that he was welcomed into his heavenly home by many loved ones who arrived in Heaven before him, including but not limited to his parents and siblings. He will be missed beyond words. He had a very strong relationship not only with Dianna, but his children, their spouses and grandchildren. He was adored by all. His family's comfort lies in knowing that someday they will be reunited with him in Heaven.
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