Mervin R. Theill

Mervin R. Theill, age 92, of Dubuque, IA, formerly of Menominee, IL, completed his earthly journey on May 11, 2024, at Stonehill Care Center, while surrounded by his loving family.  To honor Mervin’s life, a Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the Nativity BVM Catholic Church, 15406 West Creek Valley Road in Menominee with Rev. Dennis Vargas officiating.  Family and friends of Mervin are invited to join in fellowship at the church prior to the services from 9:30-12:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Nativity BVM Church Cemetery.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Mervin’s family.

Mervin was born on February 20, 1932, in Hazel Green, WI, to Wesley and Ida (Weydert) Theill.  He was gifted with a strong work ethic from an early age.  He grew up on the Theill Family Farm (established in 1945) and continued to live and operate it until he retired at age 62. He operated it with loyalty, passion and commitment. Even after retirement, Mervin continued to work until the age of 88 to ensure the legacy of the family dairy farm.   His son and grandsons continue to operate it to this day.  While the farm was a great love of Mervin’s, his truest passion was reserved for his beautiful bride, Rose Marie (Riniker).   They met at Melody Mill while out on a night of dancing with friends and life would never be the same. They were united in marriage on June 13, 1959, at Holy Ghost Church in Dubuque and went on to raise seven strong and beautiful children. Mervin and Rosie would have celebrated 65 years of marriage in June. Truly a legacy of love.  

Mervin’s faith was a priority always, whether he was saying grace before every meal or spending time with the Holy Name Society.  The Theill family were devoted parishioners at Nativity BVM Church. All of his children attended Nativity BVM grade school.  Mervin, Rosie and their children enjoyed participating in Church events especially the Menominee Church Festival.

Service to the community was also important to Mervin as he proudly volunteered with the Menominee Dunleith Volunteer Fire Department for 34 years.  He loved fishing with his friends, dancing with his wife, attending his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.  He was a regular presence at the Annual Menominee Family Softball tournament.  The Theills even won it a couple of times. Mervin and Rosie enjoyed traveling and loved visiting family in California and their daughter and her family in Arizona.

Mervin was a man of strength and character. Even struggling with dementia, he kept his sense of humor and was still his ornery self.  His memory faded, well except for his wife, he still beamed when she walked in the room.  He loved going for rides, having a dish of ice cream, and visiting the farm.  He was always up for an outing or activity with family.

Thank you Mervin for leading by example, reminding us that we are all children of a creator who loves us and has purpose in our lives, and for simply being the man so many around you just needed in their daily lives.  May the Lord bless and keep you in His loving arms until we meet again.

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints”.  Psalm 116:15

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Mervin include,

his loving wife of 64 years,

Rose Marie Theill, Dickeyville, WI;

his seven children,

Randy Theill, Elizabeth, IL,

Pamela (Bobby) Watkins, San Tan Valley, AZ,

Jeff (Deb) Theill, East Dubuque, IL,

Julie Theill, Davenport, IA,

Lisa (Travis Conklin) Bratcher, Galena, IL,

Jamie Theill, Hazel Green, WI,

and Jason (Lindsay) Theill, Davenport, IA;

his twelve grandchildren,

Scott Theill, Coty Theill, Aaron (Missy) Theill, Marcus Theill, Tamara (Matt) Ludwigs, Cory (Kiresten) Theill, Kyle Theill, Amber Bratcher, Colton Bratcher, Payton Theill, Jackson Theill, and Jayci Theill; 

his five great-grandchildren,

Ashlynn Theill, Caleb Ludwigs, Norah Ludwigs, Waylon Theill, and Beckham Theill;

and his sister-in-law,

Judy Riniker, Durango, IA.

Mervin was preceded in death by his parents, Wesley (Ida) Theill; his infant son, Daniel Theill; his son-in-law, Ron Bratcher; his daughter-in-law, Laurie Theill; his three sisters, Merla (Carlisle) Jacobi, Charlene (Franki) Hinderman, and LaVonne (Jim) Heitkamp; his brother, Wesley (Ruth) Theill; his sister-in-law, Karen (Jerry) Smith; and two brothers-in-law, Mathew Riniker, Jr. and Gerald Riniker.

Mervin’s family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Stonehill and Hospice of Dubuque for all of their professional and compassionate care of Mervin and his family.

Memorials will be made in his name to Hospice of Dubuque and Stonehill Care Center.

Online condolences may be shared with Mervin’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com