Wesley Tjaden, Sr., 81, of Grand Island died Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Good Samaritan Society in Wood River.
Funeral services will be at 10 am Saturday at Trinity Lutheran Church with a family prayer service at 9:45 am. The Reverend Jack Gillam will officiate. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 4-8 pm Friday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.
Mr. Tjaden was born on December 24, 1929 in Hildreth, Nebraska to George and Grace (Casper) Tjaden. He grew up and received his education in Hildreth.
He was united in marriage to Frances Ogg on July 1, 1951 at Kearney. The couple lived in Kearney until moving to Grand Island in 1952. Wesley drove a truck for Sullivan Transfer and Storage for 28 years. He then drove a truck for William's Transfer until retiring in 1982 to care for his wife. Mrs. Tjaden preceded him in death on November 9, 2006.
Wesley was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and Teamsters 554.
He enjoyed camping with his wife and watching his children and grandchildren play ball. He also enjoyed playing cards, listening to big band music and watching CNN. He loved animals especially his dog Katie.
Survivors of the immediate family include two daughters, Deborah Tjaden of Grand Island and Eileen Dickey of Alda; five sons and three daughters in law, Albert Stultz of Aurora, CO, Dennis and Judy Tjaden and Jerry and Linda Tjaden, all of Grand Island, Wes Tjaden Jr. of Alda and Joey and Michelle Tjaden of Marquette; a brother Terry Anderson of Grand Island; four sisters and brothers in law, Romaine and Willie Jolkowski of Grand Island, Marilyn and Bob Heinzman of Lincoln, Barb and Bob Suck of Grand Island and Teresa and Dave Vasey of St. Paul.
Additional survivors include 17 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter.
Wesley was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Frances, a son, Michael Tjaden, and a grandson, Jon Tjaden.