John went willingly to Jesus on December 2, 2021, age 59.

He will be forever cherished by his wife of 25 years, Ginny (nee Sprengeler) Theisen and his dog, Sky.

John was born into a busy Allenton dairy farm family and learned the value of hard work and faithfulness from his parents, Walter and Victoria (Schellinger) Theisen. John was the youngest of 9 children in this close family which include siblings Wally (the late Carol), Bob (Joan), Mary, Kathy (Jim) Vogelsang, Annette Mueller, Gene (the late Peggy) and Jude (Greg) Lengell. Family also includes sister-in-law Linda, many dear nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and in-laws. His friends are many. If you'd meet John, you were likely to become a friend and once a friend, you were family. He will be greatly missed.

His parents, brother Jim, beloved Uncle Fr. John and family and friends of many generations greeted John when he arrived in heaven. He looked forward to this.

John was a passionate sportsman, following the seasons with hunting and fishing of all kinds. He honored nature and his travels included many wilderness destinations. He felt closest to God in nature, seeing trees as cathedrals and streams as avenues to faith. To him, every field had its beauty, every flower was God's masterpiece.

John is known for his generosity, gardening, canning and baking skills (thanks Mom!). We will all miss his elderberry jelly and liqueur. His happiest days were those of gathering with loved ones and sharing what he had grown and made, punctuated by a loud game of Farkle.

If you would like to honor John in some way, he'd encourage you to hug your loved ones tight. Take a hike in the forest or watch the snowfall. Study the habits of wild creatures. Feed the birds. Take a child fishing and then dip a line, yourself. Slow down a bit and really see the sunset. Respect nature and make this a better world. Look for God in every wild place, in every small beauty, in the gift of every day. Listen for the voice of God to call your name and when you hear it, go without hesitation.

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze." Isaiah 43:1-2

A private family memorial service will be arranged