William Kelly Theissen

William Kelly Theissen was known as many things to many people. He was a loved one, a friend, and someone special. To family and friends who knew him best, William will be remembered as a very exceptional person.

       He was the son of Ralph "Scott" and Nancy Theissen. Kelly grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

      Kelly was raised with one brother, Robert and one sister, JoEllen. Kelly was usually involved in all sorts of activities with his siblings. He and his siblings shared many life experiences over the years.

      A typical teenager, Kelly had a fairly happy high school experience, making that critical transition from adolescence to adulthood. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite subjects and teachers.

      Kelly enjoyed his college years, which may have been a challenge with all of the academics, responsibilities, and the sudden freedom that accompanied them, but Kelly was able to manage the balancing act. He was a graduate of Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan. He was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity during his college years.

      Kelly worked hard to be a good father to his children and he did his best to fulfill their needs. Kelly was blessed with two daughters, Pamela and Megan and one son, William. Another blessing for Kelly was the gift of three grandchildren, Sarah, Ryan, and Hannah.

      Fortunately, Kelly enjoyed what he did for a living. Showing a strong work ethic, Kelly worked diligently and did his best to succeed in his career. After college Kelly continued with a career in software sales, and was a dedicated employee at IBM for 17 years.

      Kelly enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Kelly loved to golf and fish, often enjoying the outdoors, especially at his beloved Eagle Mountain Lake in Wisconsin. He also enjoyed watching hockey, was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys fan, and never got tired of listening to his favorite Elvis Presley tunes. He was content to enjoy his favorite pastimes alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

      Kelly passed away on July 3, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. Kelly is survived by his significant other, Kathryn Bradford; his daughter, Pamela Cowan and husband Robert; son William (Bill) Theissen and wife Melanie; daughter Megan Law and husband Christopher; grandchildren, Sarah Cowan, Ryan Cowan, and Hannah Law; brother, Robert Theissen; sister, JoEllen Daugherty, and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends. Services were held at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel in Colleyville, Texas.

      Kelly was a good and kind person, an individual who will for all time be remembered by his family and friends as being a caring and giving person, someone who was a vital part of their lives. Kelly leaves behind him a legacy of life-long friendships and many cherished memories. Everyone whose life he touched will always remember William Kelly Theissen.

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William Kelly Theissen, 66, of Bedford, Texas passed away on July 3, 2016. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 8, at 3:00 p.m. at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Chapel in Colleyville, Texas. The family will gather from 2:00 p.m. until the service time for visitation. There will be a reception immediately following the service.William Kelly Theissen, or Kelly, as he was lovingly known, was born in Wilmette, Illinois to Ralph “Scott” and Nancy Theissen on August 13, 1949. He grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he graduated from North Allegheny High School. He was a graduate of Adrian College in Adrian, Michigan and was a proud member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity during his college years. He continued with a career in software sales, and was a dedicated employee at IBM for 17 years. Kelly loved to golf and fish, often enjoying the outdoors, especially at his beloved Eagle Mountain Lake in Wisconsin. He also enjoyed watching hockey, was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys fan, and never got tired of listening to his favorite Elvis Presley tunes. Beloved companion, father, grandfather, and friend, he will be dearly missed. Memorial contributions may be made in Kelly’s honor to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org). Kelly is survived by his significant other, Kathryn Bradford; his daughter, Pamela Cowan and husband Robert; son William (Bill) Theissen and wife Melanie; daughter Megan Law and husband Christopher; grandchildren, Sarah Cowan, Ryan Cowan, and Hannah Law; brother, Robert Theissen; sister, JoEllen Daugherty, and numerous nieces, nephews, and a host of extended family and friends.