SPARTA - Theresa E. Tichenor, 94, of Sparta, was called to rest on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at her home. She was born on March 14, 1929 to Frank and Grace (DeHart) Schmitz, in Sparta. She grew up in Sparta and graduated from Sparta High School.
Two weeks after graduation, she married Loraine I. Tichenor on June 12, 1948 at St. Pat’s Catholic Church in Sparta. In their 68 years of marriage, the couple raised 5 children, and worked very hard on the family farm in Bush Prairie.
Theresa was a member of Bush Prairie Homemakers for many years. She also gave her heart to an early childhood program designed to foster the development of individuals with cognitive disabilities. She volunteered for twenty years and so enjoyed her work and interactions with the adults and children of this program, staying in touch with many children and adults to the end. Theresa enjoyed sewing at a very early age and when she married, she often crafted clothes for her very young and then teen children.
Theresa is survived by her children, James Tichenor of Stevens Point, WI, Larry Tichenor of Sparta, Debbie (Mike) Kewin of Tucson, AZ, Amy Speers of Onalaska, and Valerie (Bill) Semann of Norwalk; 9 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Loraine; grandson, Scottie; and sister, Virginia Donskey.
The family would like to thank Gundersen Lutheran Hospice for their professional and compassionate care of Theresa during her journey. Each Hospice nurse and member of the support staff brought kindness to each visit, making her time with the program a comfort.
A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at St. Pat’s Catholic Church, Sparta, with Father Eric Berns officiating. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Sparta.
A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, at the church.
Online condolences may be offered at www.schanhoferfh.com
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation, Sparta, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Lanham-Schanhofer Funeral Home and Cremation
