Rodrick “Rod” Dewald Theiring, M.D., 87, of Patterson, Louisiana, exchanged his earthly home for his heavenly home on August 12, 2022.
Born September 29, 1934, in Evansville, Indiana, to Emil Jacob Theiring (d. 1965) and Lovelace Porter Theiring (d. 2000), he is the eldest sibling to Hazelee Theiring Reichel, and twins Thomas “Tom” Theiring and Theresa “Terry” Theiring Byers.
After graduating Bossie High School of Evansville, his service in the United States Navy anchored a tour of duty in the Mediterranean on the USS Albany during the Korean War. On August 27, 1955, he married Leah Shannon Thurber and they embarked on a grand and love-filled life. Fond stories often reminisced and shared were those of their winters spent in the loft of a cabin, hunting squirrel for dinner and tending birthing cattle in the Indiana snows in exchange for room and board; and, working nights in the university library, having first dibs on textbooks that were not so accessible.
As a graduate of Indiana University School of Medicine, the new Dr. Theiring sought an internship and residency program, which brought him and Shannon to New Orleans. The food sealed the deal for Big Charity’s program. There were lots of fun times with Shannon boating on the Rigolets channel and eating oysters at the lakefront, a favorite culinary delight among the many he so enjoyed. There were busy times teaching at LSU School of Medicine, delivering babies at several New Orleans hospitals, and moonlighting to care for people in Plaquemines Parish.
Dr. Theiring and Shannon joyously became parents with the adoption of Michele Theiring. St. Mary Parish became home in 1965. Adding to their joy, two more children were adopted, a son, Charles Theiring (m. Michelle) and a daughter, Nicole Theiring Wimberley (m. Lon). A growing family needed more room; Patterson became home.
A stork named Wanda touched down with the fourth joyous addition (also adopted) daughter Megan Theiring, making the quiver full.
During his 40 plus years as an OB/GYN he brought many lives into this world, dedicated them all to Jesus, and prayed with his patients. To maintain the blessings of family and a thriving OB/GYN practice, Dr. Theiring practiced what he preached-diet and exercise. He loved greens and beans (in deference to the richer foods of New Orleans cuisine), and exercised with an almost daily run at lunchtime for nearly 40 years. Both diet and exercise remained priorities after retiring in 2005.
For leisure, Dr. Theiring enjoyed vacations with his family, visiting with the family of his childhood, travel, scuba diving, learning, tinkering, sewing, ironing; and flying-piloting his planes.
He so enjoyed his grandchildren (several for whom he stood in the gap as a father figure): Aubrey Wimberley (m. Caitlin), Joshua Milligan (m. Elizabeth), Jacob Thevis (m. Laynie), Jacob Martin (m. Christa), Rachel Milligan, Daniel Thevis, Dakota Cooley, Jade Martin, Anna Wimberley, Jordan Theiring and Michael Theiring; and an ever-growing passel of great grandchildren.
Dr. Theiring’s greatest joy and love though was his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. His passion for the Word of God was unquenchable. With an ever deepening spiritual humbleness and love, sharing God’s Word and the message of salvation was always on his heart.
For all that he is remembered and loved, this would be the greatest to Dr. Theiring.
Family, friends, and the communities in which Dr. Theiring served, are invited to attend the visitation on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Hargrave Funeral Home from 10:00am-12:00pm. Funeral Services will immediately follow. Pastor Mack Berseygay of The Mission Church in Patterson, LA, officiant. Dr. Theiring will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at hargravefuneralhome.com for the Theiring family.