William "Bill" Van Tieman Jr.

William Van Tieman, better known as Bill, was born March 3, 1935. He entered the Kingdom of Heaven on August 15, 2017 with his daughter by his side. Bill was born in a little ranch house somewhere between Santa Paula and Fillmore, California to William Tieman and Hazel Skinner. He was one of five children, all of which have preceded him in death. Twin brothers Elvie and Melbie, little brother Tommy, and baby sister Diane joined their mother and father in Gloryland long before Bill arrived there.

Raised in Santa Paula, Bill always had an interest in singing and drawing. He was quite accomplished at both. In his late teens, he met and married the first love of his life, Imogene Knox. They lived a modest life while Bill was drafted into the United States Army and served overseas and then when he returned to finish his schooling.

Bill and Jeanne became members of the Santa Paula Assembly of God church in 1962 and served alongside the Rev. Paul Wells for many, many years. Bill traveled with Rev. Wells holding revivals, crusades, and concerts all over the Pacific coast. Bill was a beloved Sunday School teacher, small group leader, prayer line worker, singer, worship leader, evangelist, choir leader, soloist, and speaker.

In 1969, after fifteen years of marriage and many failed attempts at becoming pregnant, Bill and Jeanne were prayed over by the church family to receive a miracle. That miracle was born on January 13th, 1970! After the birth of their only child, Bill got his license to be a social worker for the State of California, later transferring to the County of Ventura.

In late 1989, Bill, Jeanne, and Michelle moved to Bakersfield to attend Canyon Hills. Bill immediately joined the choir and became involved in many areas. Later, he and Jeanne would retire to the wonderful senior housing complex where he began a very successful senior gospel choir. They ministered in song to countless convalescent homes, churches, and other groups. Bill loved to sing and loved to spread the joy of Jesus to all he encountered.

After Jeanne passed in 2005, Bill became involved with the second love of his life, Gerri Carter. Together, they had a marvelous time enjoying frequent day trips, good food, good friends, and of course, good music!

In 2013, Bill became a grandfather to the apple of his eye, Grace Elizabeth! She brought a spark back to his eye that had long faded away. She was poppa's princess and in as such, could do no wrong in his eyes. Being a Poppa was one of his greatest titles.

In 2015, Bill started slowing down. Arthritis was crippling him. We had no idea at the time that a myriad of other health issues were hiding deep within. As he slowed down, his singing did as well. Soon, he found himself needing to leave his beloved Florence Gardens behind and move into a nursing home. Of course, at the nursing home, he developed yet another family of sweet people.

It was Bill's desire that the album he had recorded in the 1970's was to be played nonstop as he was dying. So, his request was met. He let out a huge sigh of relief as he entered the Kingdom of Heaven while the song "That Golden Stair" was playing.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Michelle, son-in-law Jay Calvillo, his precious granddaughter Grace, and his beautiful lady friend Gerri Carter as well as many, many friends around the country.



The family would like to thank the special staff at Lifehouse nursing home for their attentive care, their friendship, and their love. A special thank you to Kevin, his friend and caring nurse. Also, a special thank you goes to Kindred Hospice and Pastor Craig Amos for singing and sharing with Bill in his last days.