Thomas Lee “Tommy” “Tom” Theis, 89, of Shawano, passed away peacefully, from natural causes on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Tommy was born on May 15, 1935, in Shawano to the late William and Irene (Krueger) Theis.
Tom was a devoted husband to Nancy and a loving father to Jeff, Julie, Steve, Lisa and Jamie.
Tom married the love of his life, Nancy Ann Tomashek, on Sept. 20, 1958, at St. James Lutheran Church in Shawano. They shared 66 years of marriage filled with love and happiness.
A hardworking and dedicated man, Tom was committed to his faith and family. Specialist Thomas L. Theis served honorably in the U.S. Army in Darmstadt, Germany, from 1955-57 and continued his service in the reserves until 1961. He worked alongside his father, Bill, and brother, Don, in the cattle business, and gave 29 years to the Shawano County Highway Department, retiring in May 1997.
In his younger years, Tom enjoyed owning and working on his No. 16 stock car. He also loved camping with family and friends. In his later years, he enjoyed gardening, making maple syrup, creating wood crafts, fishing, deer hunting and watching his grandchildren play sports. A devout member of St. Jakobi Lutheran Church, his passion for farming remained a constant throughout his life.
Though Tom preferred not to be the center of attention, his life of hard work, faith and service to others deserves to be honored. He was a humble man who lived by the principles of faith and believed strongly in the right to life. Always a doer, Tom selflessly served his church and family without seeking recognition. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.
Tom is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Ann Theis; and their five children, Jeffrey (Mary Adkins), of Shawano, Julie Theis, of Shawano, Steven (Debra Kufahl), of Shawano, Lisa Robertson (Paul), of Kenosha and Jamie Popp (Chris), of Shawano.
He is also survived by 14 grandchildren, Adam (Rachel), Joshua (Kari), Andrew (Abigail), Jacob (fiancée Kelsie), Nicholas, Isaac, Joselyn Torbenson (Andrew), Deann Robertson, Brooklyn Dorius (Daniel), Jedediah Robertson (Savana), Eliza Robertson, Olivia Bown (Michael), Carson Popp and Allyson (fiancée Braiden Mott); and 12 great-grandchildren, Carter, Micah, Christian, Elijah, Henry, Hannah, Kate, Mason, Sophie, Clara, Taysom and Taylor.
He is also survived by his stepbrother, David (Karen), of Shawano, as well as many friends and extended family members who will miss him dearly.
Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Irene; his stepmother, Izzy (Giese) Theis; his brother, Donald (Gloria); and his stepsister, Linda Radtke (Thomas).
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at St. Jakobi Lutheran Church, N6386 East Hazel Drive, Shawano. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m., with the service following at 11 a.m. Military honors will be conducted following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Jakobi Vacation Bible School.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Heartland Hospice, Pastor Travis Kleinschmidt and all the friends and neighbors who supported them during this time.
We take comfort in knowing that Tom’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught us, the love he shared and the precious memories we will carry forever.
Thomas 'Tommy' Theis
