Theis, John P. 1864-1951

THEIS, HEER, SCHELTGEN

Posted By: Paul Van Dyke-volunteer
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:36

Source: Alton Democrat (1-25-1951)

Born: March 20, 1864
Died: January 15, 1951

RITES FOR JOHN P. THEIS----EARLY HOSPERS RESIDENT

John P. Theis passed on at his home near Hospers January 15, at 1:35 P.M. at the age of 86 years after a 7 weeks’ illness, following a stroke.

Funeral services were held at St. Anthony’s Church, Hospers, Thursday morning at 9:30. Reverend Father Thoenissen officiating, assisted by St. Anthony’s Choir.

Interment was made in the family lot at St. Anthony’s Cemetery, Hospers. Pallbearers were Matt Schmidt, Clem Schmidt, William Klein, Lawrence Auchstetter, Clem Full and Clem Freking.

John P. Theis was born March 20, 1864 in Jackson County, Iowa, son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Theis (nee Scheltgen). At the age of 12 he came with his parents to the farm between Granville and Hospers where he resided for nearly 75 years. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Parish and also the Holy Name Society. On April 18, 1887 he was married to Barbara Heer at St. Donatus, Iowa and returned here to reside.

To this union were born seven children, of whom, two survive: a son, Tony Theis and a daughter Margaret Theis and four grandchildren, all of Hospers. John died May 23, 1916 at the age of 21; Leo died August 7, 1941 at the age of 37; one son died in infancy and a three year old son and five year old daughter passed away the same week. Mrs. Theis died April 9, 1935.

Mr. Theis was the last surviving member of his family, his parents, 3 brothers: Jake, John and Peter and three sisters: Mrs. Margaret Perlot, Mrs. Katherine Huss and Mrs. Mary Fisch, having preceded him in death.