With his loving family present at his bedside, Steven “Hank” Theis, age 65, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, December 8, 2016, at All Saints Senior Living, Shakopee, MN.
Hank was a life time resident of the Shakopee community.
The Parish of Saints Joachim and Anne (St Mark 350 South Atwood Street, Shakopee) will hold a visitation on Monday, December 12 from 3-8 pm and on Tuesday, December 13 from 9:30-10:45, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial led by Father Erik Lundgren at 11 am. Hank will be laid to rest at a private family burial at the Shakopee Catholic Cemetery. Pall bearers will be son, Charlie; sons-in-law, Todd and Teddy; brothers, Bruce, Larry, Jess and Keith.
Norbert “Nubby” and Corrine (Kerber) Theis proudly announced the first of nine children, Steven Raymond born on December 16, 1950, in Shakopee, MN. Working side by side with his parents and siblings, he quickly appreciated the benefits of farming. Through the years, Hank established a strong work ethic, that followed him a life time. Farming wasn’t work to him, it was a passion. It brought families together and provided a wonderful place call home, where you were proud to raise a family.
As a teenager, Hank, his brothers and a few selected friends formed a tug-of-war team, coached by his father, Nubby. Their determination and strength were top-notch, beating just about everyone they encounter. Hank grew up in a strong Catholic family. He attended Catholic grade school, with later graduating from the Shakopee High School in 1969.
First working as a cement finisher, Hank later started his long career as an iron worker. For many years, he worked for Danny’s Construction, before working almost 20 years for his brother Bruce at High Five Erectors.
It was through his younger brother, Jess, that Hank had his sight on another local farm girl, Sherry Pieper. She would become the love of his life. On April 12, 1980 at St. Mary of the Purification, Marystown, MN, Hank and Sherry married. They were blessed with three precious children, Sarah, Jenna and Charlie. Settling their roots first in the city of Shakopee, Hank remained true to his farming roots. Each spring and summer his garage would transform into a barn, raising chickens and ducks, with an occasional rescue of a fawn or two. In 1987, Hank and Sherry returned to the farm life, buying a farm just down the road where he grew up. Here, the family raised beef, pigs, geese, goats and were also known for their delicious sweet corn. There was always some sort of activity and the constant coming and going of people on what he called his “ranch.”
Hank was a man of tradition. He enjoyed butchering, making sauerkraut and horseradish with his family. Hank loved spending quality time at his parent’s cabin, again with family. He too enjoyed fishing, hunting and riding his Harley. One of the greatest qualities of Hank was generosity. If he only had a dollar in his pocket, somehow, Hank would end up giving you five dollars. He was a strong hearted man with a super soft teddy bear side, giving you that gentle squeeze. Hank loved giving everyone a nickname and laughter was always heard with all his one liners. Hank’s solution to fixing just about anything was with duct tape, caulk, wire or anything he could find in his shed. Hank greatest passion in life was his family as a devoted and loving husband, dad, papa, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend.
Left to honor Hank’s life and vow to carry on his legacy is wife, Sherry; children, Sarah (Todd) Reis, Jenna (Teddy) Boys, Charlie (Meagan) Theis; grandchildren, Caden Hank Reis, Colby Reis, Jackson Boys, Mason Steven Boys, Easton Boys, Kendra Theis, Asher Theis, Lennox Theis; mother, Corrine Theis; siblings, Bruce (Nancy) Theis, Connie (Paul) Doepke, Larry (Solveig) Theis, Jess (Judy) Theis, Cindy (Vern) Pieper, Renee Erickson, Keith (Theresa) Theis; nieces, nephews, many loving relatives and devoted friends
Hank is preceded in death by father, Norbert “Nubby” Theis; sister, Karen Theis; nephew, Nathan Theis; and parents-in-law, Lenny and Phyllis Pieper.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral Home and Cremation, Shakopee Chapel, proudly served and cared for the Theis family. www.ballardsunderfuneral.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Steve “Hank” Raymond Theis
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Gwen Thomas
It was my pleasure to serve Hanks at All Saints. I loved seeing him smile. My sympathy to all of his loving family.
NancyHemmah
Dear Cindy and family I am sorry for your loss. May your memories and family love provide you some comfort.
Dave & Margie Thieschafer Family
Our sympathies during this difficult time. Thinking of you all
Duane wermerskirchen
Sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with your family.
Duane wermerskirchen
Sorry to hear this news. My thoughts are with your family.
Julie Thompson
So sorry for this loss Sherry. Thinking ofyou.
Julie (Foudray) Thompson
Denise Kraayenbrink
So sorry for your family’s loss of such a loving, caring man.
Kathy Kerber
Steve, he would always give me that look and say” Kathy only you and my Mom call me Steve”. So Hank I fondly bid you farewell until we meet again. Love and hugs to you all. I am in Florida and won’t be home in time. My cousins often called me”a tall drink of water”. Now I think Hank started it!
Mary Beth (Theis) & Art West
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
James & Suzanne Randall
So sorry to hear about your loss, your family will be in our thoughts . What a wonderful man.
Penny Bowyer
We are so sorry to hear of Hanks Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Sheri and your family! Love The Bowyers. John, Penny, and Lauren
Janet Manzke
God bless you Steve and your wonderful family. In our thoughts and prayers.
Barbara Theis Hauger
I am so sorry to hear about Hank’s passing, my heart goes out especially to Corrine. Will never forget how he and Bruce initiated this city slicker to the farm.
I will always remember him as a gentle giant.
Kathy Otterlei
Cindy, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I’m so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute.
Lora Fox
Sherry sending our condolences to you and the family. He fought one hell of a fight and you have been a pillar for your one and only. He always had a smile for me and ask how Rick was doin? It’s been a long journey with your man! You are amazing strong and beautiful woman! Remember back in the day Steve aka Hank. He was a good man with a smile on his face. Sorry for your lost as he will be reunited with his father. Prayers for y’all and may the Angels wrap their arms around you all to find strength, comfort and peace within each other on his path of his final journey. RIP Steven Hank Theis <3 God Bless
Lilli & Charlie Abeln
Charlie and I am so sorry to hear of your loss.
One of the occasions Hank will be remembered for by us was the time he lifted a huge green rock into my trunk that I coveted from the side of the road (his farm, corner of Marystown Rd & CR 78). He didn’t know me at the time (sooo many Theis’!) a 4th cousin Theis, but his generous nature accommodated me when I drove into his farm yard and asked for his help.
But I didn’t think ahead that Charlie had to lift that enormous burden back out! Many of us, including “Henry,” had laughs from that story at occasions like the Marystown church festival, where so many Theis’ gathered.
Hank was a big man with great strengths in more than one way. The good times will be missed.
Cricket and Chris Theis
So sorry to hear about Hank our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Ray Foslid
Hank was a good man. Your family is in our prayers.
Paul and Becky
We are so sorry to hear of Hanks Passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family to give you sreghten at such a hard time! God bless you all , Pablo and Becky Schwaesdall
Darlene Menke (in AZ.)
Cindy and family, My deepest sympathy and prayers to you and your family as I just read Hank’s passing. This is a very hard time of the year to have to have a loved one leave but he will be celebrating Christmas in Heaven with Nubby and Karen. You just hold on to all those wonderful memories, no one can take them away.
Mickey Schneider
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Very sorry for your loss.
Markell Jurek
I am so sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. I have really great memories of coming to the farm that I will treasure. My condolences to you all.
Sue and Michael
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all through this most difficult time.
Steve and Cheryl Skluzacek
Sherry and Family So Sorry to hear about Hank’s Passing. Our thoughts and prayers to all of you!
Sharon Mount
Cindy,
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My prayers are with your family at this time.
Glynn A. Crooks
To: The Family of Steve Thies,
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family of Steve Theis, especially his immediate family members. I especially want to give my condolences to you Bruce. As you mourn the loss of your brother Steve. You and I
were classmates from the Shakopee Senior High School. Class of 1969. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of your beloved brother Steve.
Sincerely,
GLYNN A. CROOKS
A Member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
Melissa Tylicki
My prayers and thoughts are with you during this time.