Robert “Bob” Lee Theis came into this world on July 10, 1931, on a farm near Plainview to Elmer and Anna Theis and passed away peacefully at Fairview Manor in Fairmont on March 28, 2024, at the age of 92.
His childhood was filled with adventures alongside his brothers, Harold and Marvin, and his sister, Shirley. Growing up, Bob's grandparents, especially Grandpa Nick Theis, were important. He loved to tell stories about Grandpa Nick helping throw bales in his 90s.
On April 11, 1953, Bob married Nathalie Ann Koppelman. Through the years, they welcomed six children into their lives – Chuck, Gord, Rod, Scott, Lisa and Jeff. Their days were filled with the threads of parenthood, work, gardening and attending their children's sporting events.
Bob's journey was further enriched by the laughter and joy of 16 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren born from his union with Nathalie. The twinkle in his eye as he teased his grandkids and boasted of their triumphs on the field or court will be forever remembered.
In 1989, Bob faced the heart-wrenching loss of Nathalie to brain cancer. Despite the sorrow, Bob found solace in work, hobbies and the warmth of his family. In 1993, a new chapter unfolded as he married Alice Marie Beckler. Together, they created a home in Friend, embraced their roles as hosts, and embarked on adventures to be with loved ones. Through this union Bob also gained four step-children, 12 step-grandchildren, and three step-great-grandchildren. A decade and a half of happiness was shared before Bob bid farewell to Alice Marie.
Through joys and challenges, Bob’s stubborn spirit prevailed until a stroke in 2015 altered his path. Even then, his determination and resilience shone through as he recovered from the ordeal. Fondly nicknamed the “miracle man” by his peers at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, where he spent his final years, Bob delighted in the visits from little ones and loved to tell everyone about their shared interactions.
In March 2024, Bob peacefully departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy cherished by his children, Chuck and Dee Theis (Kearney), Gordon and Bethy Theis (Beatrice), Rod and Diane Theis (Fremont), Scott and Kelly Theis (Western), Lisa and Paul Anderson (Ravenna), and Jeff and Jenna Theis (Geneva); step-children, Lisa Beckler (Florida), Bill and Tressa Beckler (Friend), and Rachel and Greg Garlock (Elkhorn), along with his beloved grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service was April 1 at the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Cordova. There were three special music selections for Bob’s funeral service, “The Old Rugged Cross” by Alan Jackson, “Blessed Assurance” by Alan Jackson and “Amazing Grace” by Dani Jaeger and Bailey Theis.
Pallbearers included Nick Theis, Eric Theis, Michael Theis, Jay Theis, Craig Theis, Theison Anderson and Treydan Anderson.
Honorary pallbearers were Alysia Karlin, Rachel Wachter, Karen Nelsen, Wendy Zielke, Dani Jaeger, Nicole Donahue, Hailey Ridgeway, Halle Theis and Lexi Theis.
A private family burial of ashes will be at a later date as it was Robert's wishes to be cremated following his funeral service at the church. He will be buried next to his first wife in the Andrew Cemetery in Friend. Memorial contributions are suggested to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church of Cordova. Arrangements by Farmer & Son Funeral Home.
