Cheryl "Cher" Theis

Cheryl Lynn Theis (Hollman)

"Cher”, age 70, of Poynette, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 2, due to a cardiac arrest.

Cheryl was born on New Year's Eve, December 31, 1955, in Madison, WI to Robert and Betty Hollman. Raised in DeForest, she graduated in 1974. Known to family and friends as "Cher", she spent her life rooted in the communities she loved, carrying the kindness and generosity that would define her throughout her life.  She was an artistic soul who loved creating and sharing things she made.

On December 7th, 1975, Cheryl married Gary Theis. Together they proudly owned the White Post tavern and built a life on the farm outside of DeForest, where they took great pride in their home, the farm and the horses they boarded.  They also cherished time spent at their land near Union Center, where family and friends gathered for turkey hunts, Cheryl’s favorite week of the year -deer season- and countless memories that will be treasured forever.  Cheryl and Gary shared 33 years of marriage, raised their three children, and always remained committed to their family.

Throughout her life, Cheryl worked at Timm's produce before dedicating 31 years of service as the Clerk/Treasurer to the Town of Windsor. Retirement never truly suited her.  As Cheryl liked to say, she simply “rewired.”  She played an instrumental role in supporting her children's entrepreneurial dreams, proudly helping them build successful businesses including TNT Lawn Care and Home Instead Senior Care.

While Cheryl took great pride in her work, nothing brought her greater happiness than her family.  She loved hunting, fishing, road trips out West, cooking for those she loved and spending time in the Wisconsin Rapids area with her extended family.  Cheryl was well known for her famous homemade pickled eggs, which she was always happy to make and share. She was a proud member of the American Legion and valued the friendships it provided.

Cheryl was happiest when she had a project to tackle or someone to help. She approached everything she did with generosity.  Of all the roles she cherished, being a grandma was her favorite.  Affectionately known as "Grandma Bang Bang," she treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren.  Anyone who knew Cheryl undoubtedly heard about the joy they brought to her life.  She often marveled at the blessing of welcoming eight grandchildren in eight years.

Later in life, Cheryl found happiness with Bill Spahn II.  Together they spent 10 wonderful years traveling, entertaining, hosting family and friends, and creating many more cherished memories.  Bill’s passing left a large void in Cheryl’s life.

During the last five years of her life, Cheryl found a wonderful companion in Roy Manthe.  What began as a dinner date grew into a cherished partnership filled with laughter, countless meals together and many miles of adventures to favorite restaurants.  Roy was a tremendous blessing in Cheryl's life.

Cheryl is survived by her three children, Heather Theis, Chad (Renata) Theis, and Megan (William) Bredeson; her beloved grandchildren, Ashtyn Hillestad, Ryli Theis, Monroe Hillestad, Tripp Theis, Balin Hillestad, Blayne Bredeson, Croix Theis, and Delaney Bredeson; her brother, Mike (Sissel) Hollman; her nieces, Brandy Hollman and Kris Hollman; her nephews, Bryan (Heather) Wendt and Craig (Tricia) Wendt; Roy Manthe; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and her cherished circle of lifelong friends, Linda Weisensel, Sue Manthe, Betty Batz, Peggy Weisensel, Julie Bergholz, and Lori French, whose love and friendship meant the world to her.

She also leaves behind her beloved dog and faithful companion, Junior.

Cheryl was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Hollman and Betty Timm, her stepdad Myron Timm, husband of 33 years Gary Theis, Bill Spahn II, and her nephew Joseph Hollman.

A memorial service celebrating Cheryl’s life will be held on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, at Dekorra Lutheran Church, N3099 Smith Rd, Poynette, WI. Visitation will take place from 10:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with the service beginning at 12:00 p.m.  Friends and family are invited to continue celebrating Cheryl’s life by sharing a meal and memories at the home of Chad and Renata Theis, N4083 CTH V, Poynette, immediately following the service.

For more than 20 years, Cheryl lived with and courageously battled a brain tumor. She faced each day with remarkable strength and grace.  Her courage inspired everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. Cheryl loved her family fiercely and had a generous heart.  She made a lasting impact on countless lives and will be deeply missed and forever loved.