Joel Theis

Joel Raymond Theis, 63, of McMurray, PA, passed away Friday, December 11, 2020, following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. He was at home surrounded by family at the time of his death. Mr. Theis was born Saturday, December 7, 1957, in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. He was the son of Raymond Theis and Delores Mauseth Theis. He was raised by Norma Jean and Raymond Theis. Mr. Theis had three brothers and three sisters. Mr. Theis attended primary and secondary schools in Eden Prairie, graduating from Eden Prairie High School in 1976. He attended the University of Minnesota for one year, then relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado. Soon after becoming established in Fort Collins, he resumed his college education. He attended Colorado State University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1983. He continued his education, obtaining a Master of Science degree in Agriculture and Natural Resource Economics in 1985. He later obtained an additional graduate degree, a master’s degree in Finance from the University of Colorado in Denver. Mr. Theis moved from Colorado to Pittsburgh, PA in 2009, after acquiring a position as economist for the US Department of Energy. Joel continued to work for the DOE up until the time of his death. Mr. Theis enjoyed sports, both as a participant, and as a spectator. While in high school he was on the Eden Prairie high school football team and golf team. Starting in high school, he developed a penchant and talent for skiing and golf, and avidly engaged in these sports through his adulthood. In recent years, he relished any opportunity to ride his bicycle on various bicycle trails in Western PA. As a spectator and fan, he supported Minnesota and Denver teams, but soon after moving to Western Pennsylvania found himself enamored with the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. Joel also took much pleasure in writing, having authored two books. He recently published the novel “The Liver’s Fund” in 2018. On September 26, 2012, he married Beth E Wall Theis, who survives. Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughter, Sarah M. (Chase) Nelson, of Lakewood, CO, and son, Gregory E. Theis of Whitefish, Montana; brothers Stanley Theis of St Paul, MN and John (Kathy)Theis of Parkers Prairie, MN; sisters Susie (Tim) Rolighed of Eden Prairie, MN, and Bonnie Roessler of Pleasant Prairie, WI; stepdaughters Erin (Andy) Nichols, Megan (Justin) Wall, and Kelly Wall. Also surviving are former wife, Linda Barbour, many colleagues, friends, and extended family. Deceased, in addition to his parents are a brother, Jeff Theis, sister Barbara Brown, and stepson Chris J. Wall. Memorial services will be private and held at a later date. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution may do so to the Rails to Trails Conservancy at 2121 Ward Court NW, 5th Floor, Washington DC 20037, or by phone: 866-202-9788. Arrangements are entrusted to William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., Washington, PA.