COUNCIL #1728 - ST. JAMES REMEMBERS
DONALD J. THEIS

 

Donald J. Theis, 87 of Gibbon passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. A memorial mass will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Father Joe Hannappel officiating. Military honors will be provided by Kearney American Legion #52, VFW Post #759 in conjunction with the United States Navy Funeral Honors Team following the service at the church. The family will receive friends 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Monday, April, 8, 2024 followed by a vigil prayer service beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials are suggested to St. James Catholic Church, Kearney Catholic Foundation or the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.

Donald was born September 9, 1936 to Charles and Alice (DeBaets) Theis in rural Gibbon. He grew up near Riverdale and graduated from Riverdale High School. Don proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1957 until his honorable discharge in 1961. He worked at Lambert Larchick Construction before beginning his 40 year career at Good Samaritan Hospital in the maintenance department. Don enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and riding his bicycle. He always had a special place in his heart for his dogs. He was united in marriage to Carol Larchick on April, 27, 1962 in Kearney. To this union, three children were blessed.

He was a member of St. James Catholic Church in Kearney and was active in Knights of Columbus.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Carol Theis of Gibbon; children, Scott (Michelle) Theis of Kearney, Michele (Gerald) Buschkoetter of Lawrence, Nebraska; son-in-law, Stewart Kurtzhals of Kearney; grandchildren, Nick and Zack Theis and Ty Kurtzhals; brother, Jerry (Rachel) Theis of Kearney; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Pam Kurtzhals; infant daughters, Ronda and Allie Theis; twin brother, Ron Theis; brother, Richard Theis; and sister, Louise Wetovick.