Fr. Lawrence Theis (1871-1952)

Father Lawrence Theis passed away October 28, 1952.

Born in Belgium in 1871, Peter and his family came to the United States in 1877.  The family settled near Wathena, Kan.  He later enrolled in St. Benedict’s College in September 1886 to study for the priesthood and took the name Lawrence as a member of the community.  From the beginning of his education he was a multi-talented person in both the liberal and practical arts, such as cabinet making.  The building inclination stayed with him when he later was a pastor at both Seneca where he built the Sisters’ House, an extension to the rectory, and an auditorium.  This building passion continued at Fanning, Troy, Hiawatha, and at St. Patrick’s south of Atchison.  Plagued with bouts of ill health he was forced to take on lighter duties and did weekend supply while living at the Abbey.  He died at the Abbey, surrounded by his confreres and the ministry of Father Florian Demmer.