Michael Steven Theis, age 73, passed away on May 24, 2024 at his home in Oro Valley, Arizona.  Mike was born in Chicago to Russell and Grace Theis on March 11, 1951. The Theis Family (Mom, Dad, brothers Ron, Jerry, and Tom) moved to Niles, IL in 1952 when the view out the front door was still only cornfields!  He attended St. John Brebeuf Grade School, Notre Dame High School, and graduated from Columbia College in Chicago.  He had many great times during those years, including going to Riverview Amusement Park, and being a member of a rock band, The Gyrations. 

After college he worked for over 13 years for Telemation Productions, Inc.  Highlights included directing an Oprah Winfrey commercial and co-managing the start-from-scratch establishment of their Denver Division. Mike really enjoyed living in Denver and Colorado. He had his own consulting business, working mainly with Hunter Douglas. He was also involved with Denver’s Highlands Church. Because of breathing problems, he decided he needed to move. 

In 2018, he moved to Oro Valley AZ. He made many new and close friends, meeting many of them while walking his beloved dog, Nicky, in the neighborhood or at the dog park. Friends were also made at Resurrection Lutheran Church, where he was an active parishioner. 

Michael bought an RV and did what he always wanted to do - travel the U.S. on weeks-months long trips. He visited many National Parks and visited family and friends in New York and Chicago.  When Michael needed to use oxygen at all times, he sold the RV since he couldn’t handle the rigors of RVing. But used a scooter for himself while the faithful Nicky trotted alongside.  When Nicky died, Michael adopted Dexter, who now resides with one of the dog park friends. 

Mike had a full and fun life.  He was thoughtful, generous of spirit, and kind.  He was greatly loved by family and friends.  His brothers will dearly miss their youngest brother and the monthly Zoom calls they enjoyed with one another.

Memorial services will be held both in Oro Valley and Chicago.  

For Chicago, A Celebration of Life will be held at the White Eagle in Niles on Wednesday 6/26. Visitation will be from 11:00 to 12:30 with lunch from 12:30 to 2:00. In order to have an idea of how many people are attending lunch, please let Tom know if planning on staying for lunch [email protected] .

For Oro Valley, a memorial service will be held at Resurrection Lutheran Church on Wednesday 7/10, starting at 11:00 with a lunch following. The memorial service will be streamed live - go to their website www.orovalley.org. There is a link for the live service. There is another link for past services - Michael's service will be posted there (in a day or two after)