Gisela Theo

Gisela Theo passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 18, 2025, embraced by the love of her 5 children, 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was 91 years old.

Gisela was born November 28, 1934 in Vechta, Germany, to parents Beatrice and Dominic Schroeder. At the age of 17, she emigrated to the United States with her mother and younger sister Ingie. They made their way to Madison, where she met the love of her life, Michael Theo, Sr., a Greek Cypriot from Limassol, Cyprus. They met at Madison Area Technical College taking English language classes. They married in 1954 and lived a full and loving life together for 67 years, until Mike’s passing in 2021.

She is survived by her five children: Christos (Lisa) Theo; Michael (Laki) (Sheryl) Theo; Nicki Theo; Tina (Corey) Helser; Peter (Carol) Theo; 10 grandchildren: Alexander; Analia; Andrea; Antony, Christos; James; Joseph; Marie; Michael; Nicholas; and 6 great grandchildren: Andreas; Augustus; Evelyn; Gracelyn; Mia and Winston.

Gisela, (or “Yia Yia”), was the consummate wife, mother and grandmother, who committed her life to raising and nurturing her family in America. As her children reached adulthood, she pursued a professional career as a licensed cosmetologist and earning her certification as a Cosmetology Instructor. She thoroughly enjoyed training so many future hair stylists in the Madison area.

Gisela was a gifted writer with impeccable penmanship and an extraordinary piano player with an angelic voice. She had an infectious laugh and witty sense of humor. She was fluent in German, Greek and English and mastered and embraced the traditions of them all. Above all else, Gisela taught her family the meaning of love, charity, and respect, and often reminded her children to “stop and smell the roses.”

The family wants to recognize and thank the dedicated staff at New Perspectives Memory Care in Sun Prairie and to the loving expert care providers of Agrace Hospice Care of Madison. Thank you all for your expert and loving care.

Yia Yia, you now rest with God and in the arms of your beloved husband. Once again you will dance together every day, for eternity.

You will be with us forever.

A celebration of Gisela’s life will begin with a visitation at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 11 North Seventh Street, Madison, WI from 10:00 am until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, followed immediately by funeral services. Burial services will follow at Forest Hill Cemetery (1 Speedway Road, Madison).

Please share your memories at www.cressfuneralservice.com

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

3610 Speedway Road Madison

(608) 238-3434