BRUCE M. THEZAN

1948 - 2013

BRUCE M. THEZAN obituary, 1948-2013, Kansas City, MO

BRUCE THEZAN Obituary

Bruce Michael Thezan, 65, Kansas City Mo., passed away October 22, 2013. He was born in Chicago, Ill. on Sept. 28, 1948, and was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Lottie Thezan. Bruce graduated high school from DeLaSalle Institute in Chicago in 1967 and went on to earn a Bachelor's of Science in Education from Northwest Missouri State University (1972) in Maryville, Mo., where he was also a letterman on the Bearcat football team. He earned his Master's in Secondary School Administration from Northwest Missouri State (1973), a Master's in Adult Education/Special Education from The University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg (1980) and also completed post-graduate work toward a doctorate in Educational Leadership at Kansas State University. During his 36-year career as an educator in Missouri, Kansas and Illinois, Bruce enjoyed serving students as a classroom teacher, football coach and school administrator, where he was dedicated to helping students realize their greatest potential. During his tenure as Principal at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka, Kan., he was called to serve in the Persian Gulf and was proud to be a Veteran of Operation Desert Storm as a Staff Sergeant in the Army Reserves. Bruce is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Clint and Jennifer Thezan; a daughter and son-in-law, Sara and Bryce Miller; a son and grandson, Evan and Aidan Thezan; and a brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Sharon Thezan; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Services will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, Kan. Visitation from 1 to 2 p.m., memorial service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made in his honor to Northwest Missouri State University at: http://www.nwmissouri.edu/alumni /giving/onlinegiving.htm (select Other on step 2 and enter Bruce Thezan Memorial) or to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in honor of Staff Sergeant Bruce Thezan at: http://www.vfw.org/Contribute/ Cremation Society of Kansas & Missouri, www.kccremation.com

Published by Kansas City Star on Oct. 25, 2013.
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Mr. Thezan was a good man. I´ve always appreciated his guidance and his ability to connect with students. We need more like him in the world. RIP. We miss you.

Taiju Takahashi

School

October 19, 2021

I'm broken-hearted to learn that Mr. Thezan has passed. For over 20 yrs, I've wanted to thank him for looking out for me while he & I were in Oak Grove. I'll always regret not searching for him sooner, which is actually a lesson he'd love: DO IT NOW! Don't wait for the 'right time' to do something your heart wants, do it NOW!
RIP, Mr Thezan. And thank you. xxxooo

February 6, 2015

What always struck me about Mr. Thezan was that he made the effort to get to know every student. Very few administrators would make that a priority. Mr. Thezan did. He made a positive impact on my life and I know he has on countless others, as well. He will be missed. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family.

Taiju Takahashi

November 14, 2013

Regretfully many years have gone by since I last talked to Bruce, however childhood memories of my cousin remain dear. Those years of holiday parties will always be remembered. The Thanksgiving turkey was always demolished before the football game aired on TV. Christmas was not complete without everybody singing carols at the top of their lungs. Bruce always with an enduring smile. He has given a gift to countless youth with his devotion and talent as an educator and administrator. Bruce, Rest in peace and keep smiling down on us. Job well done!

Karen Jacobs

November 4, 2013

To the Thezan Family,
I remember the first year Mr. Thezan came to Washburn Rural there were those who did not like him at first but once they got to know him he was fair. It was fun having him go on the band trips and was a great supporter to all who participated in the extracurricular activities. He will be missed by all. My prayers for your family during this difficult time.

Candi (Pierce) Mouton

November 3, 2013

Mr. Thezan was a good man. He would always double check on my grades to make sure i stayed on top of things. Thank you for helping me thru tough times in high school. My prayers goes to the families for the loss of a good man.

Thomas Payne

November 1, 2013

My thoughts are with the Thezan family. He was a great man - not only in stature, but in his enthusiasm for life itself. I had the pleasure of working with him when he served as Principal at Washington HS KCKS. He was there for the students, parents and staff. I really appreciated all his support that he gave to everyone. I know he will be missed.

Debbie Rymer

Debbie Rymer

October 29, 2013

Bruce saw the good in every student. He was willing to let students pay for their choices, but was the first to pick them back up and let them know they mattered. He was a compassionate, loyal colleague who mentored me as an administrator. He loved life, loved people and loved his family unconditionally. Rest in peace, Bruiser.

Chris Ridley

October 28, 2013

R.I.P. Mr. Thezan Washington c/o '95

travis rathka

October 28, 2013

So very sorry in the loss of Bruce. I truly respected and liked him both as an administrator at Washington high school and as a man. The one thing that I always comment on when remembering Bruce is that he knew ALL of the kids and was at every school function! May God Bless you all in this time of loss.

Eddie Minor

October 28, 2013

Mr. Thezan was the Principal during my time at WRHS.
RIP Mr. Thezan!
- Sherry Elder Miltz

October 28, 2013

Mr. Thezan was principal at Washburn Rural High School in Topeka when my boys were in high school. He had such a great balance in handling any problems correctly. I always appreciated his kindness, smile and helping hand. I am sad for all of his family. Take care. Cindy "Chaffee" Stone

Cindy Stone

October 28, 2013

Bruce gave me my first job as a math teacher at WRHS after college. His genuine enthusiasm and compassionate, kind heart are attributes I always remember. Thanks for making a difference, Bruce. May your family experience peace.

Ed West

October 28, 2013

Bruce was kind enough to give me my first job as a math teacher right out of college. His genuine enthusiasm and compassionate, kind heart will be attributes I will never forget. Thanks for making a difference, Bruce. May your family experience peace.

Ed West

October 28, 2013

I was saddened to see that Bruce - Mr. Thezan - had passed. I knew him when I was a student at WRHS (class of 1988), and remember him being tough but fair with a quick smile and a bit of humor to go along with it. He will be missed greatly.

Angie Frazier (Thompson)

October 26, 2013

Having known Bruce since he fixed me up with my husband over 47 years ago, I can say Bruce was a big, lovable teddy bear. He was funny and sweet. As an educator myself, we often talked about teaching. He truly loved being a teacher and mentor to kids. Bruce, you will be dearly missed. My condolences to the Thezan family.

Phyllis Hutchinson

October 26, 2013

Bruce was a good man,loving father and grandfather.
His spirit and determination will always be remembered.
Rest in peace in a better place. You'll never be forgotten !!!!

Frank Manderino

October 26, 2013

My sincere condolences to the entire Thezan family. I grew up with Bruce in Chicago, becoming friends in our early high school years. In our senior year, Bruce arranged a blind date for me which resulted in my 42 year marriage. Needless to say, Bruce stood up in our wedding.
He was a man of unlimited energy and enthusiasm, and I have such great memories of all the things that we managed to get involved in back in the day. I was fortunate to have spoken with Bruce on the day before he passed away. Even then, he remained his usual self, making jokes and inquiring about my family.
The world has truly lost someone special. You will be missed by so many Bruce--rest in peace.

Tom Hutchinson--Chicago

October 26, 2013

My condolences to Clint, Sarah, Evan and the rest of the family. Bruce was a mentor and friend to me while I was at WRHS and afterward as well. I will miss him dearly.

Tim Huston

October 26, 2013

May the memories help bring you comfort. He was a wonderful influence on many and will be missed by all!

Jennifer Maple

October 26, 2013

Bruce and i havent had much contact over the years...the years that have gone by way to fast...what i will remember the most about Bruce was he never did anything half way he had a passion for evertyhing he did...my thoughts and prayers are with his family

Victor Valela

October 26, 2013

As a collegue and friend, he will be missed. I and the WRHS bands appreciated his support. My condolences to the his family.

Clifford Manning

October 26, 2013

Our loss is Heaven's gain. My thoughts are with all he touched and his family.

david chase

October 25, 2013

Bruce was a model for who and what a teacher, coach and administrator should be like. He cared deeply about his students, ALL students, not just the "stars". I wish we could have kept him on our staff at Oak Grove, Missouri, High School early in his career.

Sarah Neely

October 25, 2013

I gave grief, you gave me compassion. May God give you His amazing Grace. Ron Burton



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Ron Burton

October 25, 2013

Mr. Thezan was a great man. He was a wonderful influence on my life while I attended WRHS. He will be greatly missed. I have thought of him often over the years. My prayers are with his family.
Elaine (Ashlock) Mitchell

October 25, 2013

My sincere condolences to the Thezan family. Peace be with you all. God bless.

Tanya Rose

October 25, 2013

I am grateful for the life of Mr. Thezan. Thanks to his service and to the service of others in our armed forces, my family and I have been able to lead our lives in freedom and peace.

Bob

October 25, 2013

My son was a teammate and roommates of Bruce's son, Clint at Hutchinson Community College.

We enjoyed several football games and meals after with the Thezans. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.

Jim Banister

October 25, 2013

Bruce was a longtime friend of mine as we grew up together in Chicago and had a longtime friendship during college too as students and fraternity brothers at Northwest Missouri State. He was a great friend so sorry for your loss. Angelo and Paula Savaiano

Angelo Savaiano

October 25, 2013

Sorry for your loss. I would like to add that he was the principal at Washburn Rural High School where I attended at the time. A great man! He will be missed! Once again so sorry for loss. Yvette

Yvette Hayes

October 25, 2013

I am so sorry for your loss I was a student of Washburn rural high he was a great man

Christin Ford (McLinn)

October 25, 2013

I knew Bruce when we were students at Northwest. I remember him as such a nice guy. Sincere sympathy to his family as they sift through all their memories.

Janet Brenneman

October 25, 2013

Bruce was a dedicated educator and totally devoted to those who struggled. I watched him work miracles with students as a parent and member of the Auburn-Washburn Board of Education. His contributions were numerous and his impact far reaching. He truly changed the world one life at a time. My sympathy and prayers will be for his family. Thanks for generously sharing him with us for so many years.

Maureen Weiss

October 25, 2013

I was fortunate to meet Bruce in 1971 at Northwest Missouri State and being from the South Side of Chicago, like Bruce, he befriended me and showed me the ropes that a "South Sider" needed to follow. He was a wonderful friend who and I have nothing but fond memories of our time together. My sincere condolences to his family. Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat!

Tim Hughes

October 25, 2013

So sorry for your loss. I was a student at Washburn Rural when Mr. Thezan was there. He made a lasting impression on me. I have taken his advice with me on my travels through life. He will be greatly missed.

Wendi Murray-Sparks

October 25, 2013

He was a wonderful man. He will be greatly missed. I know he helped many students through the years. I was student at Washburn Rural High School when he first started there.

Carolyn Roudybush

October 25, 2013

We are so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. Please know that we are thinking of Clint and the family. Bruce was a true educator and a friend to his students at Washburn Rural High School. Students, staff and the community were all proud of his service during Desert Storm. Our thoughts are with you. Love, Dwight and Nancy Zwiener

Dwight and Nancy Zwiener

October 25, 2013

Great guy who was helpful to all he met. Always full of energy. Always loved being around him at school and in KC
He will be missed

Mike Rooney

October 25, 2013

My condolences to the Thezan family. I was a student at Washburn Rural High School and really liked him as a principal. RIP Mr. Thezan.- Kelly Shepardson Cook

October 25, 2013

Rest in Peace, Coach. May God comfort your family.
NEHS, Class of 1977.

Bill Young

October 25, 2013

So sorry to hear of his loss. He was a wonderful administrator at WaRu. He was strict but always had kind things to say to the students. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Katheryn Weible Lansford

October 25, 2013

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28

Visitation

1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Porter Funeral Home

8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215

Oct

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Memorial service

2:00 p.m.

Porter Funeral Home

8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215

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8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215

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