Theron “Gub” Arnold Risa was born on November 1, 1924, in Opheim, Montana to Martin Sr. and Thea Risa. He passed away on June 17, 2023, in Glasgow, Montana.
Theron graduated from Opheim High School in 1943 and served in the United States Army from 1944 – 1946. When he returned home, as common in the day, he worked for local farmers, primarily his brothers and Uncle Resner Blikken. In December 1963 he married Dorothy “Dot” Risa and together raised her sons on the farm. He served in several roles in the Lutheran Church in Opheim and many community boards such as FMDH Hospital Board, REA-Northern Electric, and Election Board. He was active in Senior Citizens, Community Club and a 50-year member of the American Legion. He farmed and ranched in Opheim until he and Dorothy moved to Glasgow. They were at Nemont Manor from 2007-2014 and then moved to Prairie Ridge. He was cared for at Valley View during his final months.
Theron is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Risa; siblings Martin Jr. (Pearl) Risa, Albin Risa, Don (Pat) Risa, Nell (Chauncy) Christofferson, Fern (Leroy) Whittle, Jenny (Danny) Panko, and infant siblings, Paul and Helen and grandson, Tyler Risa.
Theron is survived by his two sons, Lee (Terry) Risa of Opheim, Montana and Brian (Diana) Risa of Blackfoot, ID; five grandchildren, Jessica Perry of Pocatello, Idaho, Travis (Candra) Risa of Blackfoot, Idaho, Kari (Cowboy) Murch of Glasgow, Montana, Kristy (James) Miller of Taylor, North Dakota, and Bryce Risa of Opheim, Montana; eleven great-grandchildren: Abby (Skyler), Lily, Tayley (Ryan), Caleb, Cole, Collin, Callie, Karstin, Kaisen, Brysen, and Rhett; and great-great-grandson, Paxton.
Family and friends are invited to gather on Friday, June 30, 2023, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana. Funeral services will be on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at Opheim Community Church in Opheim, Montana with Pastor Scott Kiehn officiating.
Theron’s family would like to thank Prairie Ridge and Valley View for the wonderful care and love Theron received during his time spent there. He will be missed by his family and friends but has left everyone with memories that will live on.