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.
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday June 30, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday July 1, 2023
Opheim Community Church
208 Roanwood Street
Opheim , Montana 59250
Reception
2:00 p.m.
Saturday July 1, 2023
Opheim Community Church
208 Roanwood Street
Opheim , Montana 59250
Service Schedule
Family Receiving Friends
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Friday June 30, 2023
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday July 1, 2023
Opheim Community Church
208 Roanwood Street
Opheim , Montana 59250
Reception
2:00 p.m.
Saturday July 1, 2023
Opheim Community Church
208 Roanwood Street
Opheim , Montana 59250
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Duane Claypool says
My deepest condolences to the family. Theron was a good friend of my Dad’s at Prairie Ridge. He always had such a great, upbeat attitude. I always enjoyed seeing him & talking to him when I saw him at Prairie Ridge.
Eldrid Blikken Kästel says
Gubi was related to me through his parents Thea (neé Blikken) and Martin Risa of Opheim. He was allways kind and generous to me with his time when I came to visit, and I have fond memories of him and Dot. My heartfelt condolences on his passing. May he rest in peace.