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Theone I. Kees

Theone I. Kees

Theone Irene Kees, 101, of Durand, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2015 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand with her loving family by her side.  Theone was born on July 27, 1913, in Cascade of rural Nelson to John and Pearl Rustad.  Her early childhood, with her brothers Palmer, Lester, and Cyril, was spent in the Burnside and North Branch areas until 1926 when her family moved to Bear Creek and resided there on their home farm. 
 
In 1931 she graduated with honors from Durand High School and also from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with degrees in Elementary Education and Art.  In 1934 she married her grade school sweetheart, William H. Kees, who preceded her in death in 1987.  They lived most of their lives on a farm south of Durand in the Maxville Township, at the foot of Rattlesnake Point. 
 
Theone's teaching career began in Averill, a one-room schoolhouse in Bear Creek, when she was 19.  From 1939 - 40 she taught in the C.C.C. camp at Nelson, then at Sunny Brook in rural Arkansaw, Nelson Public School, and lastly in Alma as an art teacher for 16 years.  In 1968 she received the Award of Merit for outstanding elementary education by the "Grade Teacher Magazine."  And in 1969 she was awarded the National Outstanding Teacher of Art award. 
 
Theone was an avid reader of anything historical or educational, and loved to do crossword puzzles, of which even the most difficult was easily solved by her.  She also loved interior decorating, collecting antiques, growing flowers, baking and entertaining.  She loved to host potlucks and card parties with feasts fit for a king.  She attributed her deep love for animals to her Norwegian heritage.  One of her favorite quotes was "He who loves to sing will always find a song."
 
When Theone was nine years old she taught herself to play the piano.  She was the pianist for the old Congregational Church and for 25 years she played with the Senior Rhythm Band of Durand, a troupe of 12-16 retired ladies who entertained at nursing homes and local functions.  Her favorite music was that of the Big Band era.  
 
Theone is preceded in death by her husband, William, an infant daughter, eldest son Bill, her parents and brothers, son-in-law Dean Johnson, grandsons Bernard and John Weisenbeck, grandson Richard Kees, and great granddaughter Amanda Milliren. 
 
Theone is survived by five sons and four daughters:  Sally (Charles) Weisenbeck of Durand, Nancy (Dean) Johnson of Eau Claire, John (Beverly) Kees of River Falls, Curtis (Betty) Kees of Durand, Lowell (Mary) Kees of River Falls, Roberta (Rodney) Bauer of Birchwood, Robert (Helen) Kees of Durand, Candace (Tom) Harris of Eleva, Bruce Kees of Durand, and daughter-in-law Zona (Bill) Kees.    She also leaves behind 38 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 23 great great grandchildren, her brother-in-law Galen Kees, and best friend Olive Ganou. 
 
Theone will be sadly missed not only by her family but the entire community, for she made a lasting difference in everyone she met and touched the hearts of many by her kindness and goodwill.  Everyone called her their friend, we called her "Mother."
 
Visitation will be held Monday from 4-8pm at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, WI.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Durand. Rev. Grace Baldridge and Rev. Jim Kiesow will officiate. Burial will be in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Durand. 

Memorials preferred to be given to the Pepin County Humane Society or the United Methodist Church of Durand. 

Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.

Condolences

  1. Chip Kees

    It's hard to know what to say about someone who was loved so much and by so many. She was a grand lady, and she will be missed.

  2. Patti Blount

    I'm sorry to hear about the passing of Theone. She was a nice lady to chat when I saw her. Sympathy to the family during this time.

  3. Ruth Wilz Curcuru

    Aunt Sally, my deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. You were blessed to have your Mom all these years. I'll say a prayer for her and for you. God Bless.

  4. Bob and Janet simpson

    We send our heartfelt sympathy to all of your family. What a long and wonderful life!

  5. Gordon & LaVina Gifford

    Theone's family
    We were saddened to hear of your loss. We have fond memories of her personality and spirit. We also remember the interactions and experiences we have had with her and her children. She was a class act.

  6. Pat Petrie / Kurth

    My condolences to all the extended family.I remember when Theone taught art at school when I was in my early years at Caddie. I always so respected her as a wise woman and fine educator. She had so many talents and was so eager to share them. You all must have so many stories to remember. She will be surely missed.

  7. Denise Fetzer

    What a beautiful tribute to the beauty God creates. May you be at peace.

  8. Audrey Martin

    I will never forget the day I was cutting Bill's hair and Theone walked in my barbershop. Just happened I had a piano in my shop for sale. Bill had a twinkle in his eye and said,
    "Play Audrey a tune on the piano", Theone sat down and did she play the piano. I was shocked as I did not know she played and It was so cute because Bill was as proud as a peacock to be Theone's husband.
    I also loved it when Theone would tell me she attributed her longevity on she ate and drank anything she wanted. Coffee and sweets were her favorite.

  9. Steven Sedlmayr

    You have my sympathy on Theone's passing. Although she had retired before I came to Alma, I had the opportunity to meet and visit with her on several occasions. On the Friday of National Education Week, Theone would play the piano at the Alma Legion for the educator's tea. She was always "full of life"! My thoughts are with you as you celebrate her life.

  10. Tom Bo Johnson

    John Kees, sorry to hear about the loss.

  11. Emily Kees Mattscheck

    Aunt Theone is a part of my many special memories. I have many happy childhood memories from yearly visits as our family journeyed from Cincinnati to Durand to visit my grandparents and family. My dad, Harold, was Uncle Bill's oldest brother.

    I was always amazed at Aunt Theone's energy, kind and generous spirit, and many interests and talents. I remember her love for cooking, many collections, musical talent, and art projects. She always had a recipe or project to share.

    In later years, she showered my family with love by spontaneously hosting lovely receptions after both my mother and father's funerals.

    Aunt Theone will always hold a special place in my heart. Ken and I send love to our family and wishes for comfort and peace.

  12. Bob and Pam Bee

    sympathy to all the family. You will miss her but there are many memories. Bob has shared some with me already. Best wishes to all. The Bees

  13. Lugene

    My deepest sympathy to the family of such an amazing lady. She was my Art teacher, and the friendship we had was so wonderful. Theone will paint the Heavens with bright colors. Rest In Peace Ms. Kees <3

  14. Judy john parr

    Our sympathy is with you

  15. Jackie Brotzman Christner

    My condolences to the Kees family at the loss of your mother. I did not know her well, but remember her kindness to us kids on a Durand school bus that went into the ditch during the winter. We all were invited to her house to wait for the bus to be dug out. We watched the news on her TV and learned about Ed Gein that night.

    My sympathies especially to Sally, who worked at Gifford's store when I was a kid and who was a great blessing to my mother, Julia Brotzman, when she lived alone in Spring Creek after I went away to college. Your kindness will never be forgotten. Blessings and peace to you all.
    Jackie Brotzman Christner

  16. Sue Bryce

    My condolences to the Kees family. I will never forget Theone and her wonderful personality and piano playing. When I served as pastor at the Durand UMC I asked her, on the spur of the moment, when I saw her in the pew, if she would play the special music for us. She was always obliging. She had a spirit of gold that touched everyone she met. May you feel the peace and love of Christ during this difficult time.

  17. Ruth Robelia

    Holding you all in our prayers.

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