71, Menasha, passed away after a short courageous battle with cancer, with the Love of His Life, Karen by his side. Rick was born in Appleton, to the late George and Gertrude (Plank) Theiss on July 5, 1954. He and his siblings: Terry, John and Trudy, had a great time growing up on Plank Row along with many cousins. Rick played football at Xavier High School and graduated in 1972. He worked for Devcon selling industrial adhesives prior to retirement

Rick loved shooting off fireworks and did the firework show in Neenah professionally for many years. He was an avid sailor and for 18 years he and Karen sailed the Bay of Green Bay and crossed Lake Michigan in their boat named 'Encore'. Anchoring out at Chambers Island was their favorite pastime. Every year, along with all their sailing buddies they would go to Cedar River and have a pirate weekend. Everyone would dress up as pirates, act silly and at the end of the night Rick would shoot off his fireworks by the water.

After retirement, Rick and Karen took the trip of a lifetime; they went to Australia, New Zealand and Tahiti. There they sailed the Great Barrier Reef and went snorkeling. Rick would make amazing wind chimes and loved to donate them to the Make a Wish Foundation. He also made cornhole boards. In winter, their favorite destination was South Padre Island along with many friends. Surf fishing, flying big kites on the beach and a lot of good fish fry parties were had at their campsite. He was loved by all, and all his friends will never forget his Joe Cocker impersonation.

Rick is survived by Karen Marek and her children: Steve (Lisa) Marek and Kimberly Marek and granddaughter Everly Marek, who he adored; Rick's children: Dr. Jennifer (Kevin Goodwin) Theiss, Anne Theiss and Julia Theiss; his sister, Trudy Kemps; his brother, John Theiss; Karen's sister, Lynn (Dave) Cmelak along with many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Terry King; sister-in-law Lois Theiss and brothers-in-law: Dick King and Don Kemps.

A Mass of Resurrection for Rick will be held at 11 AM, Thursday, February 5, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Appleton with Brother Ray Stadmeyer officiating.

A Celebration of Rick's life will be announced at a later time.

Though my heart is breaking I will love you forever. I am so blessed that we had 20 amazing years together. Sail on my Love!