H. Peter "Pete" Theis
November 10, 2019
H. Peter “Pete” Theis, age 93 of Delano passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2019 at the St. Cloud VA Medical Center. He was born on November 21, 1925 in Watkins, MN to John and Bertha (Koll) Theis.
Pete was the youngest of 9 children. He graduated from Kimball High School in 1943. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp during WWII. He was stationed in Guam as a mechanic in the motor pool. Pete was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant in 1947.
Pete married the love of his life, Patricia Arnold on June 25, 1949 in Watkins. They made their home in Delano. To this union there were three children: Charles, Kenneth and Jeanine.
After leaving the military, Pete opened his Standard Oil Service Station in Delano where he worked for 50 years as the owner, then working for his son Ken who purchased the station.
Pete was an active member of the Delano community. He was a member of the Delano Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years. He was also a member of the local American Legion Post for 70 years. Pete and Pat were members of St. Peter Catholic Church.
Pete was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Al, Oscar, Ewald, Erwin “Aubie”; sisters Evelyn “Tizzie”, Margaret “Mugzie”, Ann “Diddy” Mary Helen “Baldy”. He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Pat; children Charles “Chuck” (Kathy) Theis, Kenneth “Ken” (Judy) Theis and Jeanine (Scott) Johnson; grandchildren Shannon (Mike) Pruchnik, Katelyn Theis (Ryan Frink), Parker Johnson, Faith Johnson; great grandchildren Elliot and Emmet Pruchnik.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 AM on Friday, November 15, 2019 at St. Peter Catholic Church in Delano. Visitation was on Thursday from 4-8 PM and continued Friday 10-11 AM, prior to the Mass, all in Martha’s Hall of St. Peter Catholic Church. Interment with Military Honors in Calvary Cemetery in Delano.