Henry Martin Tietz

Henry Martin Tietz passed away on January 10, 2025, at the age of 84.

Hank was born on July 2, 1940, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Henry and Laveta (Schender) Tietz. He graduated from high school in 1957 and pursued higher education at Carnegie Mellon University, where he earned a degree in Metallurgical Engineering.

Shortly after graduating, Hank joined the Army and spent three years stationed in Berlin, Germany. Upon completing his service, he returned to Indiana and began his career in the coal department at Inland Steel in Gary, Indiana. It was there that he met Janet Petska, who would become the love of his life. The couple married on August 12, 1967, in East Chicago, Indiana.

After their wedding, Hank and Janet made their home in Indiana for a short time before moving to Tulsa in 1968 and later settling in Claremore, Oklahoma.

Hank had an innovative spirit and was proud to hold Patent #3513036, which detailed a process for producing coiled, hot-rolled, pickled steel strip.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Hank, along with Janet, found joy in the simpler aspects of life. He enjoyed cattle farming, running his own hatchery, and engaging in his many hobbies, including model trains and collecting antiques such as old train lanterns, wagon wheels, and milk cans.

Hank was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Laveta Tietz; his beloved wife, Janet Tietz; and his sister, Emily Noss.

He is survived by his daughter, Monica Vance and her husband Rob of Cooke City, Montana; sons, Karl Tietz of Tulsa and Erik Tietz and his wife Melissa of Claremore; and his cherished grandchildren, Ethan and Abigail Tietz.