Obituary: Karen Theis

Karen Theis

Karen Theis, age 81, of Jamestown, N.D., died on Sunday, August 27, 2023, at Golden Acres Manor in Carrington, N.D.

Her visitation was Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 2:00-7:00 p.m., with a Rosary Service at 6:30 p.m., followed by a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., all at Evans Funeral Home, Carrington.

Karen's Mass of Christian Burial was held Thursday, August 31, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Carrington, N.D., with Father Terry Dodge officiating. Music was by the Sacred Heart Choir and Jennifer Hoornaert was pianist. Her burial was at the Carrington Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Beau Ferguson, Terry Hall, Dustin Erickson, Royd Unruh, Teresa Theis, Eric Nordstrom and Jeanne Unruh.

Karen Ann Moriarty was born on August 22, 1942, in Carrington, N.D., to Francis and Esther (Berg) Moriarty. Karen attended and graduated from Bordulac School in 1960.

On August 28, 1961, Karen was united in marriage to Ronald N. Theis at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Carrington. Together they were blessed with five children: Donnie, Bobbie Joe, Jerry, Julie, and Jodi.

Karen enjoyed employment at various establishments over the years including; Fenley's, Petsinger's, Seaburg Drug, Holy Family Villa, Eventide Hi-Acres Manor and cleaning homes. She was a member of the Sacred Heart Altar Society and Esterbrook Club.

Karen was full of life and enjoyed a number of hobbies. She loved camping and spending time out at the lake on the pontoon. She also enjoyed being at home cleaning her house and tending to her beautiful flowers. She was known for her green thumb and wonderful flower beds. She also loved the Christmas season and decorating her home for it.

Karen adored her grandchildren and was often heard bragging about all their accomplishments. She spent a great deal of time with her friends, especially with her best friend, Marlene Schaack. Her and her friends could often be found together at the Spiritwood Inn, shaking dice and playing tickets.

Karen will be greatly missed by her husband of 61 years, Ronald, Jamestown, N.D.; children, Donnie (Teresa) Theis, Carrington, N.D., Bobbie Joe (Dawn) Theis, Carrington, N.D., Jerry (Xanthe) Theis, Newburg, N.D., Julie (Terry) Hall, Upham, N.D., Jodi (Dustin) Erickson, Lansford, N.D., and bonus son, Eric Nordstrom, Spiritwood Lake, N.D.; sister, Mary Lou (Roland) Sharbono; grandchildren, Kelly (Tom), Stephanie (Brandon), Joe (Brandi), Carisa (Nick), Sammi (Cole), Riley (Alexis), Brock, Tanner, Kylee, Bryce, Addison, Ryder, Beau, Allie (Levi), Jordan, Carter (Drew), Savanna (Bryce), Hesston, and Stetson; twenty-two great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Peggy (Bob) Clifton and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Esther; in-laws, Romel and Pat Theis; two brothers, Jerome "Bucky" Moriarty and Doran "Red" Moriarty; brother-in-law, Robert Theis; sister-in-law, Marlene Schaack; nephew, Shawn Clifton and niece, Mary Beth Theis.

Arrangements by Evans Funeral Home, Carrington and New Rockford, N.D.