Thomas Theiler

Thomas Carl Theiler, 80, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 18, 2011 in Charleston, SC. Mr. Theiler was born in Tomahawk, Wisconsin on December 9, 1931, the son of the late Joseph C. and Bertha Weber Theiler. He was a graduate of Purdue University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. He then spent four years in the United States Air Force where he served as a pilot and radar controller. Following his military tenure he returned to his formal education at Purdue University where he earned a Master of Science degree in Industrial Management. Mr. Theiler worked for 30 years for Owens-Illinois in various staff and management assignments including, Director of Corporate Information Systems, Director of Corporate Planning, Engineering and Factories Manager for Lily Tulip Division (paper cups & plates), General Manager for Mexican Paper Operations where he resided in Mexico City for 2 years and Vice-President and General Manager of U.S. Pulp and Paper Operations. In addition to his professional career, he also served on the Board of Governors for the School of Pulp and Paper Science at North Carolina State University and on the Research Advisory Committee at Institute of Paper Chemistry where he served as Chairman during his final year. Outside of work and professional involvement Mr. Theiler enjoyed returning to his hometown of Tomahawk, Wisconsin during the summers. He also enjoyed golfing, woodworking, hunting and fishing as well as volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. In addition to his parents Mr. Theiler was preceded in death by his siblings, Richard Theiler, Edward Theiler, Joseph Theiler and Johnny Theiler. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Sally Marie Winker Theiler; children, Kurt, Greg, Theresa, Michelle, Rick and Matt; 13 grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild; siblings, Marly Reider, Pat Miller, Gene Theiler, Donna Holdstrom, Danny Theiler, Debbie Holdstrom and Mark Theiler. A Memorial Mass for Tom Theiler will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Tomahawk. Fr. John Anderson will officiate. Military Rites will precede Mass. The family will receive friends at the church on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Tomahawk.