Theresa Ann Spletstoser Age 94, of Eau Claire, WI, died Saturday, December 30, 2023 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire after a sudden, brief illness, surrounded by her family.

She was born on July 28, 1929 in rural Rice Lake, WI to John and Mary (Skluzacek) Sirek and grew up on their dairy farm.

Theresa graduated from Rice Lake High School and attended nurse’s training at the College of St. Catherine where she began her nursing career at St. Joseph’s Hospital in St. Paul, MN. She then worked as a registered nurse in Rice Lake before completing her anesthesia training at Northwestern Hospital in the twin cities. In 1957, Theresa began working as a CRNA at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, where she was a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and became assistant head nurse of anesthesia in 1982. In 1986, Theresa began working with the Eau Claire Anesthesiologists and retired from anesthesia in 1996. She spent the next 22 years volunteering at Sacred HeartHospital. Theresa became a dedicated member of Immaculate Conception Church in Eau Claire in 1967 and was also a member of the Eau Claire Catholic Women’s Club where she still attended activities until the end. After establishing her nursing career, Theresa married Clifford Spletstoser in 1966 and had three children;Kathryn, John and Jean. Theresa and Clifford later divorced, however, she remained a steady support system to him until his death in 2014. Theresa was a dedicated nurse, mother, sister, aunt and friend. She loved sewing and made several wedding and bridesmaid dresses for her family members as they got married well before her. She was a wonderful cook, baker, homemaker and loved music, traveling, golf, and the Packers, Bucks, and Brewers. She loved playing board games, Solitaire and Free Cell and was an avid reader of mysteries and World War II dramas. She loved her many grand-dogs forced upon her by her daughters throughout the years. She also enjoyed gathering with family, especially her siblings and nieces and nephews of which there are many. She truly loved all of the dear friends she made in her lifetime. Later in life she especially enjoyed spending time at the cabin in Birchwood, WI with Rosalie and Gerard Koehn and having lunch dates with her dear friends Judi Teske, Cyndi Bush, and niece, Rosalie. Theresa sacrificed and dedicated her life to the care and happiness of others, always putting herself last. Her care, compassion, dedication, selflessness, and love will be dearly missed by all.

Theresa is survived by her Children, Kathryn (Alexandria, VA), John (Jeanette, of Ellsworth, WI) and Jean (Elmwood, WI), 2 step-grandchildren, Jason (Alexandra and new baby, Lorelai) and Jessica Grubish. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, Audrey and Rosemarie Sirek, and her beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Mary Sirek; 6 brothers, John (Helene) Sirek, Joseph (infant)Sirek, Ralph (Dorothy) Sirek, Tony Sirek, George (Barb) Sirek and Albert Sirek; 3 sisters, Agnes (Don) Zimmer, Mary (Don) Stoeklen and Ann (Doc) Kinnick; nephews Chris Sirek, Jim Zimmer, Danny Sirek, and Kevin Kinnick.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dobie, WI on January 12, 2024 at 11:00 am with Father Joseph Kumar and Father Dave Oberts officiating, with internment in the church cemetery, where her parents and siblings are buried. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service at the church along with a luncheon afterwards.

Appleyard’s Home for Funerals in Rice Lake, WI is assisting and serving the family with cremation and funeral arrangements. A special Thank you to the staff at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire.

Last Update: Jan 02, 2024 11:07 am CST