Arlen Richard Tieken was born January 29, 1939 in Shiner, Texas to the late Waldemar & Alma Sauer Tieken. He was baptized on April 5, 1939 at United Dr. Martin Luther Evangelical Lutheran Church by Rev. Richard Schuetze. His sponsors were Mr. & Mrs. Johnnie Cook, Mrs. Gus Pfeil, and Mrs. Homer Sommerlate. Arlen was confirmed at UDML on March 29, 1953 by Rev. Edwin J. Oehlke. Arlen married Barbara Henkhaus on August 13, 1960 at First Methodist Church in Shiner by Rev. John Gilbert. He was a lifelong Lutheran, attending services and singing in the choir at UDML.

Arlen received his PhD from Texas A&M University in Educational Administration and has worked in education in Harlingen, Kenedy, Comal County all in Texas. Then he and Barbara moved to Newport, Oregon where he worked as an Asst. Superintendent for six years until his second retirement. Arlen and Barbara returned to Shiner, their childhood home, after a forty year absence and Arlen quickly became involved in his first love, music, by accepting the part-time Band Director's position at St. Paul High School. Once again, he retired, but stayed active in the musical programs in Shiner, He took great pride in helping students prepare for State Concert and Symphonice Bands, including giving private lessons to his grandson, Ross Tieken, trombonist. All four of Arlen's grandchildren have profited from his musical expertise.

Arlen loved music, Blue Bell ice cream, musicians, band directors, instruments, marching contests and especially the students he was helping prepare for the Regional, Area, and State band contests.

Arlen is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Barbara, daughter, Nancy and her husband Cesar Lopez, son Ross and his wife, Patricia, and six grandchildren: Ross, Nicholle, Abby and Aaron Tieken and twins Siena and Tavio Lopez. He had a beloved and cherished daughter, Susan, who passed to God's grace in 1983. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Richard, Mark, Karen and Brenda, Larry and Scott and Michael, Richard, and Sharon.

Arlen is preceded in death by his parents, brother Alton Tieken and sister Alice Haag.

Memorials may be given in memory of Arlen to the Shiner High School Band Boosters Organization or the St. Paul High School Band Boosters Organization.