John Alan Theisen, of Valley Springs SD, was born 02/21/52 in Estherville IA to Eugene and Cherita Theisen. He grew up in Dolliver IA and graduated from high school in Gruver IA in May 1970. He went to college at United Electronics Institute in Des Moines IA, graduated in 1972. He married Mary Lustgarten November 24, 1974, and had 3 sons, Jason, David and Eric. He then married Mary Wynia Wilson February 17, 1990. He worked at Soderberg Optical for nearly 40 years. John was an avid musician for 46 years, playing guitar and singing in bands since he was 13. John died doing what he loved most, playing his guitar and singing. John passed away unexpectedly Sunday November 20, 2011. John is survived by his sons Jason and wife Leah, Eric and his wife Sonja, grandsons Brandon, Bradley and Landon all of Sioux Falls, Mom, Cherita of Detroit Lakes MN, brothers Mark and his wife Kathy of Sioux City, Paul and his wife Debbie of St Cloud MN, and sister Jane Chappa and Daniel O'Conner of Montevideo MN, and several nephews and a niece. Preceding him in death are his son David and Father, Eugene.