2022 Fayette Co. Fair Being Dedicated in Memory of Tieken, Kuehn

The Fayette County Fair is coming up Labor Day weekend, and fair organizers have announced that this year’s event will be held in memory of two longtime fair volunteers, Barbara Tieken and Calvin Kuehn, who both donated decades of time to volunteering with the fair before their recent passing. Here’s a closer look at their legacies:

Barbara Tieken became a member of the Fayette County Fair Association in 1987. Since that time she had served as 1st and 2nd Vice President and was treasurer for six years. Over the past years she had served on various committees: grounds, finance, country store, entertainment, general managing, parade and tokens. For 20 plus years she had a mainstay in the Token Booth. Her husband Gerald had been by her side since 2001 working diligently in the booth and in any capacity needed.

Barbara was a member of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Plum She also volunteered at Hermes Elementary, Fayette Public Library, Combined Community Action where she assisted with the elderly. She volunteered with the Cowboy Gathering. Her employment included 17 years at Beall’s Department store where she served as manager/supervisor for five years. She volunteered at Second Chance Emporium.

Barbara Tieken’s family includes daughter Karen and husband Charlie Krnarvek, son Michael Machala and stepdaughter Megan Tieken. Her daughter Karen was 1st runner-up in the 1993 Queen’s Pageant and son Michael parked cars for over 10 years. All three of her children have been MS-150 volunteers.

In Barbara’s spare time she and Gerald enjoyed watching baseball - the Astros and Rangers. They especially enjoyed watching games which included their grandsons. They attended concerts, mostly country music and loved to dance. Most of all, Barbara and Gerald enjoyed spending time on their farm.

Barbara was a very quiet, hard working person, who was always there to lend a hand when needed. Barbara achieved the honor of Lifetime Honorary Member. She will be greatly missed. With great pride, we dedicate our 2022 Fair to Barbara Tieken.