Ross Gerald Tidemann

Ross Gerald Tidemann, 74, Real Estate Investor, died Saturday, March 9, 2024.We lost our beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, cousin, and friend. He was a generous man of distinction who always showed up for friends from grade school to neighbors in Crested Butte. All of his life, he was ready to give of himself.Ross was born in Wichita shortly after his parents moved from South Dakota. He attended Buckner Elementary, Brooks Junior High and Heights High School. The friendships he made here and throughout his life were always very important to Ross. Ross was a life-time member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church where he was a board member and active in the finance committee.Ross was born into the Sta-Krisp Potato Chip Company which was owned by his parents. He worked there until age 27. He spent the next five years as a partner-owner with his brother Grant of Build-It Hardware Store. He followed his brother to J. P. Weigand and Sons, where he worked for over 40 years as a successful real estate investor. He continued to stay active in investments after he retired from J. P. Weigand in 2020.Ross met his wife Karma and many life-long friends at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. He was a member of Pi Sigma Chi fraternity. His tennis team won the conference championship two consecutive years. After Bethany, Ross transferred to Wichita State University where he earned his degree in accounting. Ross remained active at Bethany College including serving on the Board of Directors and the Endowment Committee. In 2019 he was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws in Administration.Ross and Karma started their family by welcoming their daughter Kari in 1970 and son Ryan in 1973. The family lived for 32 years on the Tidemann 80-acre family farm in Valley Center. Ross coached Salvation Army Biddy Basketball and soccer while attending events for his children as they grew up.The families all enjoyed vacationing in Colorado. In 2000, the brothers' and their wives built a home together in Crested Butte, CO. The family enjoyed spending time together, partaking in snow skiing, fishing, hiking. Ross’ spirit of generosity was shown in the joy he & Karma had in sharing their love of Colorado by hosting many family and friends at their home in Crested Butte. He logged many miles walking with his beloved dogs Winston and Nigel. He valued visits from his sister Jean and brother-in-law Jeff. Ross also enjoyed fly fishing in Alaska and Montana and was an avid upland game hunter.Preceded in death by his parents, Donald and (Lillian) Mary Tidemann. Survived by his wife, Karma Tidemann of Wichita; daughter, Kari (John) Holt of Savage, MN; son, Ryan (Kara) Tidemann of Carlsbad, CA; brother, Grant (Anita) Tidemann of Valley Center, KS; sister, Jean (Jeff) Baldwin of Woodland Park, CO; grandchildren Maren Holt, Blake and Claire Tidemann.Ross was a man of integrity with many talents and interests. We miss his love and laughter.Visitation will be from 5 - 7 pm, Thursday, March 14, 2024, at Downing and Lahey East Mortuary. Memorial Service will be at 11 am, Friday, March 15, 2024, at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. Memorials have been established with: Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 1101 N. River Blvd, Wichita, KS 67203; Bethany College, 335 E. Swensson St., Lindsborg, KS 67456; Trout Unlimited, P.O. Box 98166, Washington, DC 20090. For those that are not able to make it to the funeral service, Gloria Dei will live stream on YouTube. To view, please click on "Watch Event" below.

Video Link