Kenneth William Theisen

Kenneth William Theisen

April 30, 1927 – October 26, 2021

Kenneth William Theisen of Monroe, age 94, formerly of Sarasota, Florida passed away on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, at 3:15 PM at Promedica Monroe Hospital after a brief illness.

The oldest of seven children, Ken was born of the union of Camillus and Alvina (Cousino) Theisen, on April 30, 1927, in Newport, Michigan.  He attended Scrabble Hollow Grade School in Newport and graduated from Monroe High in 1944.  He married Betty McElroy on April 3, 1945, at St. John’s Catholic Church in Monroe with Fr. Hoover.  Sadly, Betty passed away on July 13, 2014.

He worked briefly for Monroe Auto Equipment, Lazy-Boy Chair Company, Kelsey Hayes, was a painter for Ben Rider, and a homebuilder.  Ken also worked for the Hall of Divine Child in Monroe for 16 years as a maintenance supervisor.  Ken and Betty lived in Monroe until August of 1974 and moved to Siesta Key, Florida and maintained the Whispering Sands Condo for 6 years.  He then moved to Sarasota Florida in 1978 working in home maintenance for 20 years.

Ken’s hobbies include bowling in three leagues, hunting, fishing, playing euchre and hand and foot cards, and attending the dog races.  While in Monroe, Ken was secretary of the Moose bowling league for approximately 12 years as well as managed a softball team sponsored by Monroe Plumbing & Heating for 7 years. Ken loved flower gardening and enjoyed raising orchids.  Ken was a life member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge #884 in Monroe.  Ken enjoyed taking care of many exotic birds in Florida.

Ken joined the United States Army in July of 1945 and was stationed at Fort Dix, New Jersey.  He received the World War II Victory Medal. He ended his military career with the rank of Corporal.

Ken attended Incarnation Catholic Church in Sarasota where he was an usher for 20 years.

Ken is survived by a son Ronald of Canton, one grandchild Brian of Ann Arbor, two sisters from Monroe, Mrs. Arlene (Peter) Walsh, and Mrs. Sharon (Frank) DeSloover, two sisters-in-law Patricia and Mary Theisen, and many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, his daughter Beverly Jean in 1946, a son Michael Lynn in 1985, a daughter in-law Diane, three brothers Russell, Edward and Lavern,  a sister, Dolores Lehr and brother-in-law Jim Lehr, and sister-in-laws, Joyce and Nora Theisen.

According to his wishes, cremation will take place and interment will be at Roselawn Cemetery in LaSalle, Michigan.  A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to St. John’s Catholic Church or St. Mary Catholic Central.

Words of comfort to the family may be made through www.ruppfuneralhomeinc.com.