The Tidemann

The Rev. Paul Abbott Tidemann of St. Paul MN died July 26th 2014 at age 76. Born July 1, 1938 to Warner and Bernice Tidemann in Albert Lea MN, he attended high school in Bloomingon IL, received a Bachelors degree from Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter MN and a Master of Divinity degree from Lutheran School of Theology in Rock Island IL. During his 42 years of ministry, Paul served as pastor at All Saints Lutheran Church in Mason MI, Lutheran Church of the Resurrection in Niles Il, Redeemer Lutheran Church in Georgetown, Guyana, where he also developed an extension seminary program, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Minneapolis and St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church in St. Paul, retiring in 2006. His passion for social justice, particularly the inclusion of GLBT persons in the church, shaped his life. Paul remained very active in the community after retirement. He was president, treasurer and French horn player in Northeast Orchestra, administrator of the Cammack Marshall Fund, founder and administrator of the Guyana Mission Network, and an active participant in St. Paul Interfaith Network. He worked tirelessly on genealogical research, creating volumes of information for his family. His death has left a hole in the community which ripples ever outward, affecting many. He was greatly loved, respected and cherished. His loss will be felt for years to come. He was preceded in death by brothers James and John Tidemann. Paul is survived by his wife Janet (nee Ryan), sons Peter and Christopher, Janet's children Todd (Jill) Bosch and their sons Alex and Hayden, Julie Schirado (Jon) and their daughters Maria, Andrea, Lindsey. A Memorial Service will be held August 9th at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 700 S Snelling Ave, St. Paul MN 55116, with visitation beginning at 9 a.m., service at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. Memorial gifts in Paul's name may be given to Reconciling Works, Northeast Orchestra, or Guyana Mission Network.