Donald William Theisen

Theisen, Donald William

Donald William Theisen, age 86, passed away peacefully at Franciscan Care and Rehabilitation, on Friday, June 6, 2008. He was born May 14, 1922, in Branch, Wisconsin, the son of the late Anton and Rose (Fischl) Theisen. Don was a decorated soldier, who fought with General Patton in the 26th Yankee Division Infantry from the beaches of France into Czechoslovakia from 1942 – 1946. When he returned from the war he married the love of his life Lorraine A. Wilhelm, on November 30, 1946. They had just celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. Don was a charter member of St. Bernadette Parish, in Appleton and actively involved in the early formative years with the founding pastor, Father McKinnon. He was a member of BPOE Lodge #337 and was named Elk of the Year in 1981. Don taught Senior High School in Kimberly from 1949 – 1952. He then worked for the next 32 years at the Institute of Paper Chemistry, in Appleton. Don retired as the Assistant Controller and Director of Personnel in 1984. Don enjoyed the great outdoors. He loved walks in the woods looking for hickory nuts, fishing at their cottage in Door County, playing cards (especially sheepshead, with the Branch gang) and took great pride in his garden. Don is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lorraine; his daughter, Marcia Ann Riley and his son, Jeffrey A. (Marcia Claire) Theisen; four grandchildren he was very proud of, Melissa Ann and Jr. (Michael) Riley and Roslyn and Andrew Theisen. Don was the last of the family of Theisens of Branch Wisconsin. He was preceded in death by his son, Peter Joel, October 2005, his sisters, Mildred (Jens), Marion (Mrotek), Evelyn (Olson) and brothers Ervin and William. The funeral liturgy for Donald will be held at 11:00 am, Tuesday, June 10, 2008, at ST BERNADETTE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2331 East Lourdes Drive, Appleton, with Father Don Zuleger officiating. Don's final resting place will be next to his son, Peter, in St. Joseph Cemetery, Appleton. Friends may call at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 am until the time of the mass. A memorial fund is being established in his name.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Franciscan Care, especially his favorite nurse, Clysta and the many wonderful friends and neighbors who visited him at home and during his stay at Franciscan Care Center.

It was his wish that friends and family say a prayer for the peaceful repose of his soul in Heaven.

Wichmann Funeral Home
537 N. Superior Street
Appleton 739-1231
www.wichmannfargo.com