Thomas Theis

Thomas John Theis, of Mount Airy, MD, passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 30, 2018, after a courageous 10.5-year battle with pancreatic cancer.  Born July 30, 1943 in North Aurora, Illinois, he was the son of the late Alois Peter Theis and the late Mary Jane (Altringer) Theis.

Tom was a devoted husband and married to the love of his life, Jan, for forty years.  He was a dedicated father to his beloved daughters, Michelle Theis and Stefanie Theis Shifflett, and son-in-law, James Shifflett.  Tom was devoted to his family and greatly enjoyed spending time with them, most especially his treasured grandsons, Colton Thomas and Mikey Shifflett.  He was a hero to his family and all who knew him.  His generous spirit, kind eyes and infectious smile would light up a room.

Tom was the second of seven children.  He is preceded in death by his brother, David, and leaves behind to mourn him, brothers John (wife Shirley), Alois Jr. (wife Barbara), Timothy (wife Jan), sisters Linda Lee (husband Lester), Mary Ann Breyne (husband Craig), sister-in-law, Phyllis Lukens (husband Robert), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Tom proudly served his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1962.  His tour took him to Vietnam where he had many close calls.  Thankfully, the Lord kept him safe to return home to his family in 1966.

Tom had an insatiable thirst for knowledge.  Lovingly referred to as a professional student, he held his Post-Masters graduate certificate in finance.  Pre-retirement, he worked in the healthcare administration field as a research analyst at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

A dedicated parishioner of St. Michael’s of Poplar Springs Church, Tom was a member and Past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus St. Michael’s of Poplar Springs Council #10525.  He was also proud to be a fourth-degree member of the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Assembly #2595.  He selflessly spent countless hours volunteering with his brother Knights, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

Those who knew and loved Tom have been indelibly marked by the man he was on earth and now is in heaven.  We know God’s love a little better by the way that he loved his family, friends and all whose lives he touched.

The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 5, 2018 at Stauffer Funeral Home, 8 E. Ridgeville Blvd., Mt. Airy. There will be a Rosary recited at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

A  Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 6th from St. Michael's Catholic Church at Poplar Springs, 1125 St. Michael's Road, Mt. Airy.
Interment will follow in St. Michael's Cemetery. A luncheon will follow interment in the Fellowship Hall of the church.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.staufferfuneralhome.com.