Rev. Paul D. Theiss

The Lord called His servant, Rev. Paul D. Theiss, to his heavenly home from his residence in Frankenlust Twp. early Monday, December 21, 2015, age 65 years. The son of the late Harold and Corrine (Stahlecker) Theiss was born January 24, 1950 in Houston, TX. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO, pastored at Centennial Lutheran Church in Superior, Nebraska, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Tilden, Nebraska and was called in 1987 to St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust where he was currently serving the congregation. Pastor Theiss served on the Board of Directors of the Michigan District of the LCMS, as Pastoral Advisor of the International Lutheran Layman's League and served as chaplain for the Valley Lutheran High School Football Team. On June 13, 1971 he married his wife of 44 years, Leeta Theiss, and she survives his passing along with three daughters and two sons-in-law; Tamara and Daniel Youmans Jr. of Midland, Andra and Jeremy Warren of Bay City, and Christa Theiss and her fiancé Daniel Williams of Bay City, five grandchildren; Nathan, Chloe, and Isabel Warren, and Daniel III and Katelyn Youmans, one brother and sister-in-law; Terry and Eileen Theiss of Pecatonica, IL, one sister and brother-in-law; Lynn and Bill Richard of Platteville, WI, and one brother-in-law; Matt Bingham, many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Besides his parents, Harold and Corrine, he was preceded in death by one sister; Jan Bingham. He proudly served his community as a Chaplain for the Michigan State Police and was instrumental in the formation of the Chaplaincy Program for the Saginaw County Sheriff Department. In his leisure time he loved the outdoors, the beauty of God's creation and was an avid fisherman. He made friends easily and was always there for them. Most of all he cherished the time he spent with his family. Funeral Services will take place Monday, December 28, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church of Frankenlust. Officiating will be Rev. Stephen E. Schilke, with interment following in the church cemetery. The family will be present at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. on Sunday to receive visitors from 1:00 to 5:00 and 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Pastor Theiss will be taken to the church on Monday to lie in state from 12:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the Michigan State Police Chaplain Corps.