11/03/2025
In memory of Lillian Ann Theroux
Lillian Ann (Krepline) Theroux, age 73, of Seymour, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, well attended by her whole family, who held vigil by her side. In her final moments, her daughters were with her, holding her hands as she took her final breath. In her last days, many friends came to pray with, for, and over her, surrounding her with love, faith, and devotion.
Born on June 9, 1952, in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Lillian was the daughter of Robert and Loretta (Knier) Krepline. She grew up in Reedsville, WI, where she attended Reedsville High School. Her father, Robert, loved having her with him in his blacksmith shop, where he encouraged her to tinker—an experience that fostered her love for problem-solving. He also taught her to drive a tractor at an early age, and she carried that love of driving tractor and bailing hay well into her adult life. A proud member of the high school band, Lillian purposely joined the pep band so she could attend all the basketball and football games. While in high school, the only winter sport available to girls was basketball, and she devoted countless hours to practice—often playing with her brother, Paul, in the haybarn. She had a clever knack for finding ways out of housework in order to spend more time shooting hoops. Her early love for athletics, combined with her faith and determination, shaped the strong, disciplined, and joyful coach she became.
After high school, Lillian attended the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, earning her bachelor’s degree with a major in Physical Education and a minor in Health—becoming the first person in her family to earn a college degree. This achievement was made possible in large part by a scholarship and work-study program. While at UW-Oshkosh, she played basketball and volleyball, continuing to pursue her passion for sports while nurturing her faith and academic goals. She found great comfort at the Neuman Center, especially when she felt homesick.
Lillian met her husband, Thomas G. Theroux, at a fall dance hosted by the Knights of Columbus at Pair a Tees, the restaurant run by Tom’s brother, Don. They were married on June 15, 1974, at St. Mary’s Parish in Reedsville. Since May 1980, they have been members of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Seymour, where their faith and service were central to daily life.
Lillian began her teaching career at St. Mary’s School in Brillion and later served as a substitute teacher in Seymour from 1985 to 2018. She joined Father Allouez Catholic School in Green Bay as a Physical Education and Health teacher, inspiring students with energy, encouragement, and an example of faith in action until her retirement in 2023.
A lifelong lover of sports, Lillian enjoyed both competition and lasting friendships. She played on modified and fast-pitch bar-league softball teams, including a memorable national tournament where she played alongside her daughters, Jennifer and Jessica. In Seymour, she coached varsity softball and high school basketball, and later founded the youth softball program while her daughters were in school. After her retirement, she continued coaching 3rd and then 4th grade girls basketball at Father Allouez. Through coaching, Lillian imparted values of discipline, respect, and teamwork—rooted in her Catholic faith.
Lillian’s hobbies and passions reflected a faith-centered life and a love of beauty in all forms. She enjoyed badminton, bowling, softball, puzzles, golfing, sewing, crocheting, quilting, needlepoint, gardening, canning, board games of all kinds, and especially cards. She also loved baking—everyone looked forward to her buns and tea ring as a highlight at every holiday meal. She took great joy in sharing many of these hobbies with her daughters and grandchildren, approaching each activity with care, enthusiasm, and purpose. She also dedicated countless hours to tracing her family’s heritage and genealogy, preserving the stories and lineages of her family as a testament to faith, family, and legacy.
She served her community and parish through many avenues, contributing her time and talents with generosity and faith. She was active in the American Legion Women’s Auxiliary, supporting veterans and local programs, and in St. John’s Christian Women, where she shared her skill in canning by providing sauces for funeral meals and chili luncheons. Lillian also served on many parish committees and as a catechist, helping to educate and guide parishioners in the Catholic faith. She participated in liturgical ministries as well, singing in the choir, lectoring, and cantoring for Masses, always bringing her devotion and joyful spirit to each role.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Loretta Krepline, and her parents-in-law, Robert and Elaine (Van de Hey) Theroux; her brother, Paul Krepline; her sister, Margaret Krepline; her sisters- and brothers-in-law, Grace Theroux, Toby Neidl, and Don Theroux; her nephews, Joel Theroux, David Neidl, Michael Neidl, and Mark Theroux; her great-nephew, Carter Seefeldt; and her granddaughter, Hope Melchert.
Lillian is survived by her husband of 51 years, Thomas G. Theroux; daughters Jennifer (Mark) Poehlmann and Jessica (Aaron) Melchert; five cherished grandchildren: Emanuel and Lillianna Poehlmann, and Paden, Eloise, and Adela Melchert; her sister, Mary (Krepline) Seefeldt & Al Spoehr (fiancé); her in-laws Judy (Theroux) Neidl, Dick and Donna (Baeten) Theroux, Robert and Paula (Baeten) Theroux, Ted Theroux, Rose (Theroux) and Pete Guinden, Annette (Theroux) and Dale Streiff, and Debbie (George) Krepline; and many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Lillian will be remembered for her deep faith, generous heart, quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor, which was very present and celebrated to the end of her days, and unwavering devotion to family, students, athletes, and community. Her life was a reflection of living one’s Catholic faith in every action, whether in teaching, coaching, gardening, baking, or sharing time with loved ones.
Visitation will be held at Muehl-Boettcher Funeral Home on Friday, November 7, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., and on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. until the American Legion Auxiliary service at 10:45 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Seymour, celebrated by Rev. Fr. Sengole Arockia Dass, O.Praem and Deacon Rich Matuszak will assist. Burial will be at St. John's Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at St. John the Baptist Catholic School.
The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Unity Hospice and all of the caregivers who attended to her (Ashley, Josephine, Kimberly, Sarah, Hannah, and Lucy) as well as everyone who included her in their prayers, sent cards and flowers, and visited her throughout her final days, for their compassion, love, and support.
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