Colleen Marie Theissen

Colleen was born in 1936 in St. Paul, MN to Floyd and Ella Hill. She died peacefully surrounded by family on February 1st at age 89 1/2.

She is preceded in death by her parents, in-laws Ray and Kay Theissen, daughters Geralyn and Susan, brother-in-law Robert Theissen, and beloved cousin Darlene Hilger.

Colleen met Don Theissen in eighth grade, and early in high school (graduated from St. Joseph’s Academy, St. Paul, Class of '54) she succumbed to his persistent romantic pursuit and they married on June 2, 1956. An only child, Colleen vowed to have a large family, and she and Don raised and nurtured eight beautiful children– Geralyn (Glenn) Pedersen, Stephen (Susan), Susan, Michael (Jean), Maria, Andrea (Greg) Radke, Laura (Jon) Ragner, and Jeffrey. She loved and adored her 15 grandchildren and spouses and her 11 (soon to be 12) great grandchildren. She is also survived by in-laws Marlene Theissen, Rick and Diane Theissen, Kathy Kirschbaum, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Colleen will be best known as a loving, devoted partner, friend and wife of 69 1/2 years to Don, and as a loving, devoted, fully-involved mother who made sure her children lived life to the fullest. She cherished her faith and love in the Risen Jesus Christ, and we know she is basking in the presence of the Lord with Geralyn and Susie.

Colleen loved our many large family vacation trips to Florida, California, Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and especially our 51 years at Brookside Resort in Park Rapids.

Our family appreciates the care given to Colleen by the St. Therese TCU and New Perspective Oakdale Memory Care staffs, and we are especially grateful to son, Jeffrey, for providing loving care for our parents over the past 2 1/2 years.

Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, February 23 at 11 AM at St Ambrose of Woodbury Church, 4125 Woodbury Drive: Visitation 1.5 hours before Mass at the Church. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Parkinson's Foundation.