Theisen is a ‘quiet saint’ for St. Joseph

by Jon Petters

Guest Writer

There is no question about it: Carol Theisen’s pans of caramel rolls are not only made with love, they are also scrumptious.

While the kind acts of most “Quiet Saints” are not apparent, occasionally some are like one of her wonderful pans of warm gooey rolls. It’s those other things they do without acknowledgement or recognition. Carol, the oldest of nine children, has always been a St. Joseph kid, even though she grew up a couple miles south of Joe Town.

Middle son Paul described his mother’s big heart and how she recently decided to visit a couple acquaintances who were in need of companionship, especially since it was not easy for them to get out. She was told just stop by and visit; it’s too difficult to take them places. No, that would not cut it for Carol. She knew the husband loved a good Manhattan and his wife would certainly be uplifted by just getting out. There was no question what Carol would do – pick them up and take them out for new scenery, including one delightful Manhattan. Not an easy task if you knew the obstacles it involved. It was just one of Carol’s quiet saintly acts.

If you have been to downtown St. Joseph in the last 11 years during summer, you can’t help but see the stunning flower baskets adorning the downtown area. Margy Hughes relished describing what happened. About a dozen years ago, Carol and her husband, Jim, were visiting Red Wing. Carol became overwhelmed by the beauty of the enormous hanging baskets that town was known for. Immediately, she thought of her own town. How those colorful baskets would be enjoyed by all those who visit St. Joseph. At the time, she had no idea what that would entail, including daily watering and fertilizing of what would become 114 baskets just this year!

Those baskets are not just a bunch of flowers plopped into baskets. They require a special basket assemblage, specific flower species and it all begins in November for the following year. Carol was adamant it must be done the right way – and there were many opinions about what the right way was. Thanks to Carol, anyone in downtown St. Joseph has the pleasure of enjoying these spectacular flower baskets.

Her brother, Don, was happy to talk about his sister. He provided a long list of her many quiet acts of saintly kindness. A few on the list included the principal caregiver to her parents, driving hours to cheer each grandchild’s sporting event and more. To sum it up he said, “She does everything with joy and enthusiasm.” And, not to forget, “everything is awesome.”

Petters initiated this Quiet Saints series of articles because he wishes to honor unsung heroes in our midst. Petters is a St. Joseph businessman, realtor and real estate developer and investor. He and his wife, Colleen, own and manage Collegeville Cos., Collegeville Brokerage, 24 North Lofts and Millstream Shops and Lofts among other business endeavors.