Obituary for Joseph N. Theis

Joseph Nicolas Theis, was born in Buckman MN, one of 15 children on a rural farm. When his father died at 13, Joe rose to the opportunity and demonstrated the work ethic and leadership he showed throughout his life. At home he became one of the patriarchs of the family, a role he cherished and expanded later as a father and then a grandfather. Joe served his country in the South Pacific during WWII as a member of the Navy aboard the USS Aulick (DD-569). Postwar he returned to Minnesota and married the love of his life LaRayne . The newlyweds moved to Minneapolis and started a family. Joseph was a dedicated worker and was a supervisor of maintenance in the Minneapolis School District for over 30 years. Retirement allowed Joe to direct his energy to his favorite pastimes. He spent many a spring and summer coaxing seeds into strong plants and trees in his garden. Fall days were spent canning and freezing the large harvests. With his gardens under blankets of snow in the winter, he spent the time traveling with LaRayne to warmer regions as respite from the long Minnesota winters. Joe and LaRayne traveled throughout North America and Europe, documented by hundreds of slides and photographs. Joe was an active member of St Bridget’s Catholic Church and then St. Gerard, his faith was an important component of his life. Joe had a great love for people and always enjoyed a good conversation. He read extensively and always knew the current news and politics. He never shied away from sharing his opinion, but would also respectfully listen to other’s opinions and keep an open mind. His family and those fortunate to know him will miss Joe’s wisdom and zest for life. He is preceded in death by his son Lyle and 9 siblings. He is survived by his wife LaRayne; his children: Dennis, Paul and Daniel (Jennifer); his grandchildren: Alex, Nicolas, Alannah, Madalyn, Zachary, Joseph, Camryn; and his siblings: James, Curtis, Regina Heid, Ruth Bolig, Anna Lubich and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation will be at 10 am Tuesday at St. Gerard’s Catholic Church, 9600 Regent Ave. N Brooklyn Park. Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 am with Interment at 2:30 pm at Ft Snelling Nat’l Cemetery.