Theone Irene Kees

Theone Irene Kees, 101, of Durand, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2015 at the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand with her loving family by her side.  Theone was born on July 27, 1913, in Cascade of rural Nelson to John and Pearl Rustad.  Her early childhood, with her brothers Palmer, Lester, and Cyril, was spent in the Burnside and North Branch areas until 1926 when her family moved to Bear Creek and resided there on their home farm. 
In 1931 she graduated with honors from Durand High School and also from the University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire with degrees in Elementary Education and Art.  In 1934 she married her grade school sweetheart, William H. Kees, who preceded her in death in 1987.  They lived most of their lives on a farm south of Durand in the Maxville Township, at the foot of Rattlesnake Point. 
Theone’s teaching career began in Averill, a one-room schoolhouse in Bear Creek, when she was 19.  From 1939 - 40 she taught in the C.C.C. camp at Nelson, then at Sunny Brook in rural Arkansaw, Nelson Public School, and lastly in Alma as an art teacher for 16 years.  In 1968 she received the Award of Merit for outstanding elementary education by the “Grade Teacher Magazine.”  And in 1969 she was awarded the National Outstanding Teacher of Art award. 
Theone was an avid reader of anything historical or educational, and loved to do crossword puzzles, of which even the most difficult was easily solved by her.  She also loved interior decorating, collecting antiques, growing flowers, baking and entertaining.  She loved to host potlucks and card parties with feasts fit for a king.  She attributed her deep love for animals to her Norwegian heritage.  One of her favorite quotes was “He who loves to sing will always find a song.”
When Theone was nine years old she taught herself to play the piano.  She was the pianist for the old Congregational Church and for 25 years she played with the Senior Rhythm Band of Durand, a troupe of 12-16 retired ladies who entertained at nursing homes and local functions.  Her favorite music was that of the Big Band era.  
Theone is preceded in death by her husband, William, an infant daughter, eldest son Bill, her parents and brothers, son-in-law Dean Johnson, grandsons Bernard and John Weisenbeck, grandson Richard Kees, and great granddaughter Amanda Milliren. 
Theone is survived by five sons and four daughters:  Sally (Charles) Weisenbeck of Durand, Nancy (Dean) Johnson of Eau Claire, John (Beverly) Kees of River Falls, Curtis (Betty) Kees of Durand, Lowell (Mary) Kees of River Falls, Roberta (Rodney) Bauer of Birchwood, Robert (Helen) Kees of Durand, Candace (Tom) Harris of Eleva, Bruce Kees of Durand, and daughter-in-law Zona (Bill) Kees.    She also leaves behind 38 grandchildren, 54 great grandchildren, 23 great great grandchildren, her brother-in-law Galen Kees, and best friend Olive Ganou. 
Theone will be sadly missed not only by her family but the entire community, for she made a lasting difference in everyone she met and touched the hearts of many by her kindness and goodwill.  Everyone called her their friend, we called her “Mother.”
Visitation was held Monday from 4-8pm at the Rhiel Funeral Home in Durand, WI.  Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the United Methodist Church in Durand. Rev. Grace Baldridge and Rev. Jim Kiesow officiated. Burial was in the Forest Hill Cemetery in Durand. 
Memorials preferred to be given to the Pepin County Humane Society or the United Methodist Church of Durand. 
Rhiel Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Durand, is serving the family.
Condolences may be made online at www.rhielfuneralhome.com.