James T. “Touse” Theis
James T. “Touse” Theis passed away on December 7, 2024 with his daughters by his side. Jim was born on February 19, 1948, to Veronica and John Theis Sr. On April 18,1998 Jim married his soulmate, Carol Zarske. She was his confidante, and best friend. She preceded him in death on November 27, 2022.
Jim graduated from Goodrich High School in 1966. He continued his education at UW Oshkosh where he majored in Special Education and received his master’s degree in 1974. Jim taught in the Fond du Lac school system for 28 years and was also active in the Education Association.
He proudly served our country in Vietnam in the Mekong Delta from July of 1968 to August of 1969. He was a Seargeant with A Co 4th Battalion 39th Infantry, 9th Division. They were known as the Hardcore Recondos and were associated with the Mobile Riverine Force. Jim was wounded in combat and was awarded the Purple Heart. He also received Bronze Stars for valor in addition to several other awards for his service. Jim served in the U.S. Army Reserves for over twenty years. Jim had the pleasure of accompanying WWII veterans as a guardian on an Honor flight to Washington, D.C. in 2012.
Jim enjoyed visiting the Veterans Home at King and the Christian Home in Waupun along with his wife Carol and their therapy dogs, Wrigley, Sunny and Sunbeam. Sunbeam and Wrigley were also involved in the Reading Education Assistance Dog program at Meadowview Primary school in Waupun.
No matter what the weather Jim could be found hiking their golden retrievers on a daily basis. He also looked forward to golfing with his buddies and afterward enjoying a cold one and meal at Lori’s Bar and Grill. Jim was an avid reader of books, newspapers and magazines. He found pleasure in creating small woodworking projects for his family and friends. Jim enjoyed attending the Kentucky Derby each year, which he attended for 37 consecutive years. Traveling the United States was also on his yearly list and Jim has visited all 50 states ranking Wisconsin as his favorite! Always on his list was going to the cabin up north, where he liked to fish with his fishing partner, Carol. Jim was an avid sports fan and loved to cheer on the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Bucks, but his favorite sporting venue to see a game was Wrigley Field to watch his beloved Chicago Cubs.
Jim was a proud father and grandfather and had great joy spending time with his grandchildren, cheering on their various sporting events and dance competitions as well as telling his famous jokes! Jim was a member of the Die-Hard Cub Fan Club, the Order of the Purple Heart, the Disabled American Veterans, Combat Infantry Association, Eagles Club, American Legion and Healing Paws.
Survivors and those who Jim loves are his devoted daughters, Jennifer Luebke and Laura (Kevin) Tillman: grandson, Willem Luebke and favorite granddaughter, Addison Luebke, grandsons Westen, Carter and Xander Tillman: sister, Cathy (John) Wojkiewicz and brother-in-law John Zarkse. Jim is further survived by nieces, nephews and other family members and friends as well as his four-legged pals, Sunbeam and Wrigley.
Preceding Jim in death were his wife, Carol Zarske Theis; parents; brothers, John and Tom Theis; sister-in-law, K.C. Theis; sister, Helen Ann Scheurman; brother-in-law, Charlie Scheuerman; niece, Cindy Will; father-in-law, Al Zarske and mother-in-law, Marjorie Zarske.
The visitation will be held Saturday, December 21, 2024 from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM at Uecker-Witt Funeral Home. The memorial service will follow at 1:00 PM on Saturday at the funeral home followed by military honors.
Special thanks to Dr. Kumar and all the staff who cared for Jim at SSM Health St. Agnes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be distributed to the John Theis Jr. Memorial scholarship in care of Roberts PTO, 270 Candy Lane, Fond du Lac, WI 54935. Other donations will be given to various veteran’s organizations.
Jim touched many lives and always had a great sense of humor. Please share a funny story or memory about him with the family either in person or online.
Jim wanted everyone to know that he had his ups and downs, but more ups than downs but then again as he would say.. “Who cares?!”
Peace!
Services are in the care of Uecker-Witt Funeral Home, 524 North Park Avenue, Fond du Lac, WI, 54935. Additional information and guestbook can be found at ueckerwitt.com