Frederick J. Theiss

1932-2025

Frederick J. Theiss, 93, died December 25, 2025, at his home in Winter Haven, Florida, with family at his side.

He was born December 8, 1932, in Salem, Ohio, to Fred and Mary Theiss, both deceased. After graduating from Salem High School in 1950, he attended Capital University, then transferred to Ohio State where he received his pharmacy degree in 1955. It was there he met his wife, Beth Ann Arter, whom he married December 17, 1955. They recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

After working several years at Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, he purchased a pharmacy in Beth’s hometown of Crestline, Ohio. Fred successfully ran Theiss Pharmacy until his retirement in 1999.

Fred and Beth have spent their retirement years in Winter Haven, Florida, returning to Walton Lake in Crestline during the summers to be with family.

Survivors include his wife, Beth Ann; daughters Anne (John) Jebens and Jean Theiss of Winter Haven. His son Fritz preceded him in death in 2017. Also surviving are his sister, Mitzie (Ray) Ward; nephew Kevin (Tonda) Ward; niece Karen (Vito) Zapata, all of Winter Haven, Florida; Roger (Joell) Ward of Cashiers, North Carolina; and nephew Tim (Susan) Arter of Georgia. He is further survived by seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren in Ohio and Iowa.

Fred’s faith was important to him, and he arrived in Heaven in time to celebrate the birth of Jesus and be reunited with his loved ones. A memorial service will be held in Crestline, Ohio, at a later date.

Fred will be remembered for his love of all things Ohio State University, his enjoyment of good cigars, his big laugh, and his gregarious heart.

1/13/26