OSAGE — Frank Joseph Theis, 69, a lifelong North Iowa farmer, devoted family man and active member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, passed away Wednesday, November 11, 2026, on his farm near Osage, doing what he loved most — farming.
A rosary will be offered at 3:30 p.m. Monday, November 16, 2026, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, 2985 360th Street in New Haven. Visitation will follow the rosary, beginning at approximately 4 p.m. and continuing until 7 p.m. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, November 17, at the church, with an additional visitation beginning at 10 a.m. Hindt-Hudek Funeral Home of Riceville is assisting the family with arrangements.
Frank was born September 8, 1957, in Osage, the son of Dean and Bonnie (Brumm) Theis. He attended elementary school in New Haven and graduated from Riceville Community High School in 1975. Rather than pursue a life away from home, Frank returned to the family farm, where he could devote himself to the work that would define much of his life.
For Frank, farming was far more than an occupation. It was a calling, a family tradition and a source of tremendous pride. Along with raising crops and caring for the land, Frank and his family operated a pork-producing farm. He took particular satisfaction in tending to livestock, maintaining equipment and caring for the land entrusted to him.
On June 23, 1979, Frank married Nancy Schaefer at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Johnsburg, Minnesota. Together, they built a family centered on love, hard work and Catholic faith.
Frank especially treasured his role as a father and grandfather. His 16 grandchildren brought him enormous happiness, and he made attending their activities a priority whenever possible.
Known for his quick wit, lively personality and sense of humor, Frank was often the center of attention at family gatherings and celebrations. Friends and relatives knew him as someone who could bring laughter into a room while remaining a dependable provider and loyal friend.
His faith remained a constant throughout his life. A lifelong member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Haven, Frank took pride in worshiping at the same parish he had attended as a child and later raising his own children there. He and Nancy served their church in numerous capacities and regularly assisted with Mass.
Although farm responsibilities occupied much of his time, Frank enjoyed a variety of interests outside agriculture.
In his younger years, he worked as a disc jockey at Chips in Lawler, enjoyed hunting and trapping, and lent a hand as a pit crew member at local races.
More recently, he enjoyed golfing with Nancy and friends, cheering for the Dallas Cowboys and relaxing with reruns of the television comedy Seinfeld.
Through it all, Frank remained closely connected to the people and places that mattered most to him. His devotion to family, his love of farming and his commitment to his faith were enduring parts of the life he built in North Iowa.
Frank is survived by his wife, Nancy Theis of Osage; his children, Jacque (Chad) Eberhart of Parkersburg, Daryl Theis and friend Amanda of Omaha, Nebraska, Miranda Boyd and partner Jay of Urbandale, Adam (Brooke) Theis of Waukee, Kaitlin (Aaron) Dammann of Clive, Michael (Rachel) Theis of Cresco, and Jacob Fulk of Riceville.
He is also survived by his 16 grandchildren: Creyton Eberhart, Devan Eberhart, Madysen Eberhart, Hayden Eberhart, Franklin Theis, Rowan Theis, Harrison Theis, Cooper Boyd, Coen Boyd, Mason Theis, Emma Theis, Anna Dammann, Ben Dammann, Grace Dammann, Jaxson Theis and Beau Theis.
Additional survivors include his parents, Dean and Bonnie Theis of Osage; sisters Kim (Barry) Groh of Ankeny and Karen (Steve) Zabinski of Isanti, Minnesota; his mother-in-law, Ann Schaefer of Osage; numerous members of the Schaefer family; and many nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his daughter, Rachel Theis; paternal grandparents, Frances and Regina Theis; maternal grandparents, Herb and Angie Brumm; and father-in-law, Pete Schaefer.
Family members and friends wishing to share memories, offer condolences or learn more about arrangements may visit Frank’s obituary and tribute page at Hindt Funeral Homes.
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