"On behalf of the entire Wisconsin State Firefighters Memorial Board of Directors, we extend our deepest sympathies. Barb's work at The Dispatcher has always been an enormous support to the WSFM and her generosity and hard work was greatly appreciated. Thoughts and prayers to all family and friends. WSFM Board of Directors"
In loving memory of
Barbara A. Theis
April 20, 1954 - January 24, 2014
BARBARA A. THEIS
Mrs. Barbara Theis, of Hwy RR in Random Lake, went home to the Lord surrounded by her family on Friday evening, January 24, 2014. She was 59 years old. Barbara was born in the Town of Russell on April 20, 1954, daughter of Alvin and Alverda Schuricht Schmahl. She graduated from Elkhart Lake High School with the Class of 1972. On September 6, 1975 Barb was united in marriage with Raymond "Butch" Theis, Jr at St. Paul UCC in the Town of Russell. The couple settled in Random Lake and raised their family. Barb's focus in life was bringing happiness to family, friends or anyone in need. She had the special gift of putting the needs of others before her own. Barb worked for Arndt Advertising in Random Lake and was responsible for the publication of the monthly fire department newspaper, The Dispatcher, for the past 30 years. She was a member of St. John's UCC in Random Lake. Barb enjoyed scrapbooking, camping and gardening; one of her great prides was her berm of colorful flowers and garden with enough vegetables to share with family, neighbors and friends. Barb took great joy in home redecorating projects; she was an accomplished wood refinisher, learning many techniques from her mother. She never saw a piece of furniture that couldn't use her special touch. Barb is survived by her husband, Butch, and their three sons: Brian (Rebecca) Theis of Sheboygan, Jeremy (Marisa) Theis and Nicholas Theis (special friend Amy Kurth), both of Random Lake. She is further survived by two brothers: Dan (Karen) Schmahl and Glenn (Lori) Schmahl, both of Elkhart Lake, brothers- and sisters-in-law: Mary (LeRoy) Momper of Fredonia, Betty Mayer of Random Lake, Pat (John) Armbruster of Cedarburg, JoAnn (Wally) Ney of Hubertus, Robert (Sharon) Theis, Tom (Rita) Theis, Dick Theis, Ron (Debi) Theis, all of Random Lake and Howie (Linda) Theis of New Brighton, MN. Also surviving are many special aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law Ray & Jeanette Theis, and brother-in-law Jim Theis. Funeral Services will be held at 11AM on Thursday, January 30 at St. John's United Church of Christ, 98 Random Lake Road, Random Lake. Rev. Mike Methany will preside. She will be laid to rest later that day at St. Paul's Cemetery in the Town of Russell. The family will receive visitors on Wednesday, January 29th from 4-7PM at the Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium and at church on Thursday from 10-11AM. A memorial will be made in Barb's name to the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center.
The family wishes to extend their thanks and gratitude to all the caring people at Vince Lombardi Cancer Center in Sheboygan and Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice.
Tributes
"My prayers for love, peace and comfort for Barb's family. I am blessed to know Barb through the DISPATCHER. She was always a joy to work with and so willing to be helpful. God Bless you Barb and Rest In Peace."
"My deepest sympathy to Barb's entire family. I was a schoolmate , and graduated together. She was a wonderful person. She will be truly missed by all who new her. She'll be a shining star in heaven."
"We wish to express our sympathy to your whole family. We are deeply sorry for your loss. God Speed to Barb. "
"Ray & family,
Will always cherish Barb's friendship. She had a wonderful, beautiful smile. Please except our family's sympathy.
My Our Lord help you get through this difficult time."
"Ray, Brian, Becky, Jeremy, Marisa, Nicholas and Amy, I believe there is an angel watching over you now. Though I've only known Barb for a short time of her life here on this earth - I've been blessed to have her touch my life. She will be missed by many and I will be one of those. Because of her love she came into my life and celebrating "Mother's Day" will never be the same. Joanne AKA "Marisa's Mom""
"A kind and Beautiful First Class Lady inside and out. Barb had many friends across the state, and she took care of The Dispatcher Publication as if it was her own. She was the one WoMAN show that was backbone of Arndt Advertising. We will make it because Barb would want it That way... Her last words to me where don't forget to change the dates on top of the pages " don't want look dumb." Thank You Barb "Rest in Peace "God Bless" Bob and Shari Arndt"
"Dear Ray, Glenn, Dan and families...We are profoundly saddened to hear of our beloved cousin Barbara's passing. We always considered ourselves fortunate to be related to and proud to have known her. Ray, we will never forget your and Barbara's wedding day...a day that does not seem that long ago but holds particular meaning for us, 38 years later. You see, your wedding was our first date. Whenever we saw her, she would ask how Uncle Ken and Aunt Lora Schmahl were doing and she visited them from time to time when Ken fell ill prior to his passing. Late last summer, Diane ran into Barbara one day at the roadside produce stand in Plymouth where we greeted one another with smiles and a big hug. She looked so well and happy and it seemed her illness was a thing of the past. She was buying a ½ bushel of pickles for canning. Pickles were in short supply at the time and when I mentioned Mike cans his own pickles, she offered to give me as many of hers as I needed. And, so it is true that Barbara's thoughtfulness knew no bounds. However big or however small...she was always thinking of ways to help others. Our hope is that your pain of loss will pass quickly and your memories of Barbara will sustain you in the days ahead. She will always be remembered for her kind, compassionate nature and loving and caring ways. Love Mike and Diane Schmahl"
"Our deepest condolences to you all. Barb was a very special person and will greatly be missed. I will miss talking gardens with her. God bless you all."