Submitted by the Cheney Witt Funeral Home
Dr. LTC Ret. William Harold Thesing II, age 80, resident of rural Fort Scott, Kan., died Monday, May 29, 2017, at Medicalodge of Fort Scott.
He was born February 11, 1937, in Hays, Kan., the son of William and Frances Honas Thesing. He was a graduate of Trego-Wakeeney High School. He obtained his B.S.N. degree in 1963 from Saint Mary’s of the Plains College in Dodge City, Kan. He served in the United States Army as a Nurse Anesthetist, retiring after 20 years of service. William was a Vietnam Veteran and received the Legion of Merit Medal, which was presented to him by President of George W. Busch. He obtained his PhD. in Healthcare in 1993 and another PhD. in Education in 1997 both from Cambridge International University, Rainbow City, Ala. In 2004, he received his Legal Nursing Consulting Diploma.
In addition to all his years in the health care field, Dr. Thesing was an accomplished pipe organist with many performances throughout the United States and Europe while on active duty. He also played for church services and was a vocal tenor for church music performances. While in Oklahoma, he also co-owned Jim’s Restaurant for 15 years. In Fort Scott he was involved in several organizations including a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and the V.F.W.
Survivors include two sisters, Eleanor Skroh and husband Wilbur, Montpelier, Idaho, and Berniece Shank, WaKeeney, Kan.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Beatrice Thesing; two brothers, Henry and Leonard Thesing; and his parents.
Father Robert Wachter will conduct the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 5, at the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church, Fort Scott. The Rosary will be prayed at 10 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 7, in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Ellis, Kan. Military Honors will be provided by the United States Army Honor Guard. Memorials are suggested to the Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.