Harold E. Tjaden

Harold E. Tjaden, 88, of Minonk, passed away on Monday, October 9, 2023, at one of his favorite places, The Tjaden Pond, County Road 2100 N, Minonk, IL.

He was born on July 28, 1935, in Clayton Township near Benson, the son of Edward C. and Alvena (Warnkes) Tjaden.   He married Janet L. Osterman on June 13, 1960, in Minonk.  She preceded him in death on May 9, 2015.

Surviving family are two sons, Brad (Sherry) Tjaden; Bruce (Lynn) Tjaden both of Minonk, IL; five granddaughters, Taylor (Lane) Johnson of Benson, IL, Madison Tjaden, of Surprise, AZ, Lauren (Matt) Healy of Minonk, IL, Alaina Tjaden and Alivia Tjaden of Normal, IL; two step-grandchildren, Shantel Stalter of Toluca, IL, and Travis Stalter of Rutland, IL, and two great-grandchildren, Brynn and Bryce Johnson of Benson, IL.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to his caregivers, Susie Nelson and Sally Bane.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one daughter, Leanne; his sisters, Lorene “Peanie” Robbins; Marilyn “Mernie” Milashoski, two brothers-in-law, Lee Robbins and Robert Milashoski; and a sister-in-law, Nancy Riley.

His early work career started at Kent Lumber & Coal, Minonk, IL, Winkler Construction, Washburn, IL, and then he founded Tjaden Construction, Minonk, IL, in 1982.  He was very proud of the success of his business. 

He was a member of the Minonk United Methodist Church.   He was a member of the U.S. Army.  He was a very active volunteer fire fighter for the City of Minonk. 

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at the Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home in Minonk.   Pastor Will Meachum will officiate.   Visitation will be Friday evening from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.   Burial will be in the Minonk Township Cemetery.

He was a very loving husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa and was a huge cheerleader at his granddaughters’ sporting events.  He was very proud to be a resident of Minonk, and he was proud to be a veteran of his country as he portrayed with his flag display at the Tjaden shop.  He also started a 52-year tradition on Saturday mornings in 1971 of grabbing "the boys" bright and early for breakfast which continued until Saturday, October 8, 2023 at Steve & Nancy’s Boardwalk Tap, Wenona, IL.   We are sure he greeted Janet with a “Hey, Sport”.

Memorials may be made to all Fieldcrest High School girls’ athletic programs or the Minonk Ambulance Service. Condolences and tributes can be sent to family at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.