Marie R. Theis

Marie R. (Schneider) Theis, age 94, went peacefully to be with our Lord on February 8, 2026. She was born July 29, 1931, on the family farm near Fowler, MI to Louis and Lidwina (Thelen) Schneider.  Marie was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Westphalia. She was a graceful dancer, and it was at a dance that she met the love of her life, Frederick Theis.  She worked for several years at General Motors until their marriage on October 4, 1952.  After marriage, she focused on her roles as a farmwife and tireless supporter of her family.  Marie greeted old and new friends with a warm smile.  She took a keen interest in genealogy, excited to connect people to her large extended family.  Whether someone was celebrating a milestone, or needing a pick-me-up, Marie was quick to deliver great food and one of her homemade pies.  Anyone who faced her in a card game quickly saw her competitive side, and even the grandchildren needed to earn their wins.  She was an avid MSU Spartan fan, never wanting to miss a boys’ or girls’ basketball game.  She was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. 

Marie was preceded in death by her husband Fred, daughter Eileen Kissane and parents; and siblings, Edgar (Monica) Schneider, Sister Lucy Schneider SSJ, Sister Agnes Schneider OP, Ronald Schneider, Alvin Schneider and Louis Schneider.  She was also preceded by in-laws, Frank and Mary Elizabeth (Fink) Theis, Alberta (Leo) Fedewa, and Josephine Theis.  Marie is survived by her children, Chuck (Nancy) Theis, Dale (Maria) Theis, Jan (Joseph) Amodeo, and son-in-law Patrick Kissane. Marie is survived by her adoring grandchildren, Andrew, David (Marian), Ann Marie (Adam) Ressler, and Mary Clare Theis; Matthew, Michael, Benjamin, and Mia Elizabeth Theis; Ashley (Linton) Prieskorn and Nicholas Amodeo; Ryan (Caitlin) and Liam Kissane; and nine cherished great grandchildren.  She is also survived by siblings James (Judy) Schneider, and Doris (Dale) Westrick; in-laws Helen Skriba, Barb Schneider, Karen Schneider, and many loving nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Rev. Eric Weber presiding. The family will receive visitors at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, on Friday, March 6, 2026 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Mary’s School, Westphalia.  Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com. 

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