Born in Ednia, Minn., John W.R. Theisen died on July 1, 2017, in East Troy, after living fully with cancer for almost five years.
John grew up in East Troy and Waukesha. He graduated from Catholic Memorial High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse before completing his Bachelor of Arts at UW-Milwaukee. He then pursued a master’s degree from the University of Economics of Budapest, Hungary.
Many from his youth remember him as a gifted sailor and a powerful downhill ski racer, as well as the kid who always had the most fun. Those who knew him as an adult know how he adored his kids as well as how passionately informed he was about history, politics, current events and sports.
Johnny pursued national and international travel throughout his life, though he always preferred the journey to the destination. A crossword fanatic, he worked at least one puzzle every single day for decades. He was a partner in Lighthouse Lubes, a chain of oil change centers, as well as other real estate and commercial ventures.
He is survived by his children Slater Sinjin (13) and Piper Rae (10); beloved, dear and steadfast partner, Kimberly Ann Myers; parents, John William Theisen (Karen O’Gorman) and Kandace Bergan Theisen (Thomas Scherwenka); sister Tristane (Abdoulaye Ndiaye); and the mother of his children, Wendy Jones.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents William Anthony and Ethelyn (Furman) Theisen and Hans Ross and Kathryn Virginia (Brace) Bergan.
A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 17, at St Peter’s Catholic Church, 1975 Beulah Ave., East Troy. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service at the church.
A celebration of life will be from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Lake Beulah Yacht Club, N9220 E. Shore Road, East Troy.
Memorials to NPR or Froedtert Hospital Cancer Center are suggested.
“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” – F. Nietzsche
Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral and Cremation Services, Mukwonago, is assisting the family.
