John Theisen

John Joseph Theisen was born on a farm on Boot Lake on September 1, 1931 to John and Rose (Pfeifer) Theisen. He received his bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State and master’s degree from Stanford University. John served in the Air Force during the Korean War and was an active member of the American Legion Club and served as a Commander in Eden Valley, Minnesota. John married Dorathy Anderson in 1956 and they spent an amazing 50 years together. Following his Air Force experience and graduation from Bemidji State, he embarked on a 30-year career as a high school teacher of advanced math. The majority of those years were spent in Eden Valley, MN. During his teaching career he also coached football, was a referee and announcer for high school sports. John was an avid hunter throughout his life and bagged a deer when he was 88. His passion for reading and woodworking have left many memories for his children and grandchildren. He was also a great fisherman who has many trophy walleye to his credit. Left to cherish his memories include: sibling Hilary (Phyllis) Theisen of Danville, CA; sister in law Judy Theisen of Park Rapids, MN; children Gerald (Cherie) Theisen of Chaska, MN, Jeffrey (Vanessa) Theisen of Cedar Park, TX, Julie Melugin of Wausau, WI, DottiJo (Robert) Seifert of Park Rapids, MN; 9 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. John passed with his children present on Wednesday, October 6, 2021 at St. Joseph Hospital in Park Rapids, MN. He is preceded in death by: wife Dorathy; son, John; parents, John and Rose; sisters Patricia and Delores; and brothers William and James.