With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Jeanette Ellen Theisen, of Antigo on Sunday, July 14, 2019, due to cancer. She died at her home under the care of her family and LeRoyer Hospice at the age of 73 years old.

Jeanette was born to the late Harvey and Lorraine Smith on February 7, 1946 in Antigo. In 1951, her family began traveling for Harvey's work. They lived in Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Dubois, Wyoming; Coffee Creek, Montana; Tacoma, Washington; Great Falls, Montana; Livingston, Montana, Selle Lake, Montana; and Butte, Montana, before moving back to Antigo in 1961. She graduated from Antigo High School in 1964.

She married the love of her life, Thomas Norbert Theisen, October 15, 1966, he preceded her death in 2005. Jeanette was an adoring mother to five sons: Ron Theisen, the late Robby Theisen, Doug Theisen, Don (Carrie) Theisen, and Jeremy Theisen (Missy Spray), and a daughter, Tina Theisen. She cherished her children and treasured every moment with them. She especially loved her further title as grandmother to Colton Belott (Taylor Tryba), Jacob Theisen, Tyler Bostwick, Nathan Theisen, Hunter Theisen, Tanner Theisen, Cassie Bostwick and great grandmother to Spencer Washatko, Natalia Theisen, and Aurora Tryba. Jeanette took special delight in spoiling her grand-dogs, Cash and Bella.
She is famously known for her made with lots of love chocolate chip cookies. "Grandma's Basement" was also fondly known as a safe hang out for her grandchildren and many of their friends.

Jeanette worked at Wausau Insurance, as a homemaker, at the Antigo Daily Journal and Eastview Medical Rehab Center before deciding to further her education. She did this as her children were also entering college. Jeanette became a nurse, graduating from Northcentral Technical College in 1994. While she worked briefly at Eastview as a nurse, her heart was really in the nursing of those who truly needed her love and strong faith as they were leaving this life to a better one. She volunteered for LeRoyer Hospice for 2 years before being brought on to work with the Sisters for another 19 years. During this time, she provided comfort and support to over 650 families during their most difficult times. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, "Love one another as I have loved you." (John 15:12).

She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church and lovingly gave of her time in many ways through the charismatic prayer group and scripture prayer group as well as the Adoration Chapel. Her love of life and servant leadership called her to action through Antigo's Right to Life chapter for more than 25 years.

Jeanette is survived by her brothers, Jerry (Kim) Smith and Jim Smith (Lisa Hoekstra); and her sister Judy (Cliff) Knudsen. She is further survived by her brothers-in-law, John (Carla) Theisen, Mike (Sandy) Theisen, Dave (Julie) Theisen and sisters-in-law, Loretta Schmidt, Anne (Siggy) Schonfelder, Georgianna DeHart, and Bernice Smith as well as her many nieces and nephews. All of whom she loved and touched deeply.
In addition to her parents, husband and son, she was proceeded in death by her father-in-law, Bud Theisen; mother-in-law, Mary Theisen; brother-in-law, Earl Theisen; and sister-in-law, Mary Theisen.

Many of her last evenings were spent reminiscing and singing with her loving brother and sister, Jerry and Judy, with her loving family and friends by her side.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, July 20 at 10 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church with Reverend Charles Hoffmann officiating. Burial will take place at the Queen of Peace Cemetery, Antigo.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 19 from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. all at the Bradley Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

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