George Theis, age 74, of Ulen, MN, died Friday, February 10, 2017 in his home under the care of his loving family and Hospice of the Red River Valley.


George Joseph, the son of Nicholas and Mary (Krpalek) Theis, was born on February 22, 1942, on the family farm near Ulen. He was raised there and graduated from Ulen High School in 1960. Following graduation, George began his career with American Crystal Sugar working many seasons during the fall Campaign, while helping his father on the farm. George also was employed with Alloway manufacturing and Kost Brothers, until he became a full time machinist with American Crystal in the early 1970's. On November 5, 1966, George was united in marriage to Sandra Blumhardt at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fargo. They lived for a few months in Moorhead but shortly after returned to the Ulen Community, building a home near his family farm east of town. He retired from American Crystal Sugar after 47 years of service and two years ago George and Sandy built their current home in Ulen.


George loved to camp and travel, especially with family and friends. He was always ready to take a trip to see new places and greatly enjoyed spending his winters in Texas. His hands were never idle and he made beautiful woodwork projects. He also liked to tend to his yard and working in the garden. Everyone knew George loved Sandy's cooking and he even helped her make apple pies. He had a sweet tooth and was often found visiting with a cup of coffee and treat in hand. George was a man of strong faith and proudly let God lead his life. He was a member of St. William Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Above all, George cherished his family. He was a devoted husband of 50 years and loved watching his children and grandchildren grow. He especially enjoyed spending time with the kids and loved being a grandpa. George made many wonderful memories they will treasure forever.


George's family would like to express a special thank you to the Roger Maris Cancer Center, Dr. Terstriep, Dr. Sticca, and the staff at Rosewood on Broadway for the wonderful care and support they offered through this journey.


George is survived by his wife, Sandy of Ulen; daughter, Theresa (Steven) Kadrie of Dilworth; four sons: Scott (Jill) of Ulen, Shawn of Crookston, Eric of Dilworth, and Nicholas (Erica) of Ulen; ten grand children: Jacob, Alyssa, and Jenna Kadrie, and Emily, Rylie, Olivia, Payson, Harper, Braelyn, and Brantley Theis; two sisters: Mary Ann Larson of Detroit Lakes, MN and Dorothy (Lonnie) Crabtree of Lake Park; and four sisters-in-law: Connie (Bud) Lundberg of Hitterdal, MN, Sylvia (Elroy) Haats of Wadena, MN, Judy Ludwig of Fargo, ND, and Marlyce (Larry) Kowalke of Audubon, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; one granddaughter, Nicole Kadrie; two brothers, Nick "Sonny" and John, one sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Bob Rud, and a brother-in-law, David Larson; and mother and father-in-law, Jacob and Hulda Blumhardt.