Donald J. Theis

Donald J. Theis, age 87, of Gibbon, passed away Thursday, April 4, 2024, at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. A memorial mass was held Tuesday, April 9, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Father Joe Hannappel officiating. Military honors were 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.

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. After high school, 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, and Michele (Gerald) Buschkoetter, of Lawrence; 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.