Abigail Elise Tiedemann

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Abigail Elise Tiedemann, 42, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Anchorage, AK. Abby passed away on Wednesday, March 26th after a yearlong hard-fought battle with bile duct cancer.

Abby is survived by her loving husband Scott Smeltz, parents John Tiedemann and Joann LeClere Tiedemann, her siblings Joshua (Ann) Tiedemann, Lydia (Eric) Christoffersen and Micah Tiedemann as well as nieces Faith Palumbo and Hannah Chittenden, Hayden and Evy Christoffersen and Avalon May, in-laws Timothy and Darlene Smeltz, brothers-in law Phil (Shanna) and Kevin (Sarah) and nephew/nieces Stone, Stella and Violet Smeltz. She is also survived her dear friend Kay (Foti) Papakristo and honorary nieces Bella and Eva. Abby was preceded in death by all four grandparents (Renn and Darlene Tiedemann, Edward and Frances LeClere) and her sister, Anna Morgan.

Abby’s spirit was vibrant, unique and passionate. Her world-renowned smile and infectious laugh brightened the lives of everyone around her from the day she was born, November 10, 1982. Abby led an adventurous life reflecting her spontaneous nature which led to her residing in the frontier state of Alaska while traveling the world (Mongolia, Zimbabwe, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru and Belize to name a few).

Shortly after graduating from Jefferson High School in 2001, Abby ventured out to San Francisco to work for Habitat for Humanity through AmeriCorps, where she met Scott and a close group of friends. In the summer of 2008, Abby, Scott and friends ventured to Alaska to backpack for the summer but they never left. Abby lived in Anchorage up until her cancer diagnosis in March of 2024. Abby and Scott moved back to Cedar Rapids for treatment and to be closer to family. Over the past year, Scott built Abby the home of her dreams, in the middle of nowhere, Amana.

While in Alaska, Abby completed a Master’s degree and was employed as a middle school P.E. teacher, working with special needs students. Abby also coached every middle school sport, with basketball being her favorite. The impact Coach Abby made on the lives of Alaskan youth will continue to ripple and affect many for years to come. Abby and Scott formed friendships with others that evolved into an “AK Family”, where Halloween time allowed for Abby’s innovative costume ideas to be perfected. She and Scott hosted many Easter brunches and spent a lot of time exploring the mountains, glaciers and remote areas of Alaska. Abby loved creating: crafting, art, pottery all of which displayed her eclectic style with elements of tradition. Animals, especially her dogs, were Abby’s children. Benson, Seven, Pluto and Ranger filled her with pride, love and purpose. Abby loved wildlife and especially birds and they were drawn to her. She had volumes of books filled with photos of birds and wildlife she encountered throughout her travels.

Above all, Abby treasured her family. Living thousands of miles from home, it never seemed that way as she came back to Iowa several times each year and cherished spending time with siblings and nieces. Abby had a special way of bringing people together to celebrate one another. Abby’s zest for life and fierce determination over the years and especially through her cancer battle, will always be remembered. Abby displayed incredible courage, resilience and hope, inspiring everyone around her.

A visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2nd 2025, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Homes & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial: Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids. Memorials may be made to It Has to Matter. In lieu of cut flowers, Abby would prefer sustainable greenery.

Though her time with us was far too short, the love she shared will remain in our hearts forever.

Donate to the David Spence Cancer Foundation here