Jean Tienter

Jean Eloise Baker Tienter, age 97 of Chatfield, passed away on January 23, 2025 at Family Roots Eldercare in Plainview, MN.

Jean was born on August 15, 1927, the daughter of Ralph S. and Elva (Best) Baker, in Pleasant Grove Township, Olmsted County. She attended Chatfield area schools and graduated from Chatfield High School. She attended teachers’ training in Austin, MN and taught in rural schools in Olmsted and Fillmore Counties for nine years. Jean was united in marriage to Gordon Tienter on April 23, 1948 by Reverend George Chant in Elgin, MN. Their life together brought many adventures. For a time, they lived in Rochester, then moved back to Chatfield. In 1965, they took their family to Frontenac, MN, where Jean helped manage and cooked for nine years at the United Methodist Camp. In 1974, they moved their family to Elgin, where Jean worked at Mallard Seeds and then took the job of managing the Elgin Cheese Shop for fifteen years. For several years after she and Gordon retired, they traveled to Arizona to spend a month of winter visiting with her sister. Most importantly, they loved to spend their time with family.

She and Gordon spent their last years together in Chatfield. Jean lived her last two years with amazing care given at Family Roots Eldercare.

Jean’s faith played an important part in her life. She was an active member in the United Methodist Churches in the communities she lived in. 

Jean loved to cross stitch pictures for herself and others, sewing, crafting, candy making and playing cards. 

Jean will be greatly missed by her children Debra (Allen) Ringer of Pine City, MN, Dennis (Sherryl) Tienter of Plainview, Rebecca (Eric) Wisted of Winona, 6 grandchildren Amanda (Bradley) Eddy of McGregor, MN, Emily Ringer of Pine City, MN, Jessica (Jeff) Weis of Eyota, Bob (Jean) Tienter of Elgin, Marijean (Chris Schaben) Wisted of Des Moines, IA, Christopher Wisted of Hopkins, MN, and 5 great-grandchildren Daphney and Charlie Eddy, Kara Tienter, Jonathan (Sydney) and Mary Tienter.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her sister Reta and brother Lyle. 

 A celebration of Jean’s life will be held on May 3, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Chatfield United Methodist Church with one hour visitation prior to services, also at the church.

Burial will take place at the Chatfield Cemetery.