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Theresa Yvonne Cudd Jonas was born June 18, 1943, to Walter and Betty (Johnson) Cudd.
She is survived by her brother, Wallace (Mary) Cudd; nephew, Sean (Kristy) Cudd; three great-nephews, Aaden, Ian, and Cohen Cudd; niece, Nicole (Gus) Fonseca; stepchildren, Bill (Kathy Martino), Scott (Kim) Jonas, Jeff (Christina) Jonas, Tris Matthews, Lisa (Jason) Elsen; 12 grandchildren: Emily, Tyler, Chantel, Courtney, Austin, Peter, Randy, Lexi, Shane, Carmen, Whitney, and Sophia; 4 great-grandchildren: Wrenley, Lainey, Gordon, and Sullivan; stepsisters, Debbie Huppert, Sandy McTie, and Cathy Most; step nieces, Thia, Maggie, Sarah, and step nephews, Travis and Nick; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents; husband of 29 years, Doc; three infant (Slattery) sons; stepmother, Romaine (Don) Shone; stepson-in-law, Jeff Matthews; stepnephew, Brandy Brenna; stepbrother-in-law, Pat Huppert; and godchild, Abby Timmerman.
After graduating from River Falls High School, Theresa received her BS degree from the River Falls College and later completed her master’s degree from St. Mary’s University. She taught for 32 years within the River Falls School District. Her first year of teaching was ninth grade English, and the rest of the years were at Greenwood elementary at the third-grade level. In 1985, she married “Doc” Eugene Jonas and moved to Ellsworth where they lived for the next 28 and ½ years until they moved to River Falls in 2014. She loved kids, especially third graders, and animals. When not teaching, she volunteered with the Pierce St. Croix Humane Society. She and Doc adopted over thirty animals out of their home after providing foster care for shelter animals. She was a volunteer Humane Officer for Pierce County for many years. She enjoyed reading many different genres but always said the Bible was her favorite. Her family would like to thank Dr. Christopher Tashjian for his friendship and care over the years.
A memorial service was held Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 12:00 noon at Ezekiel Lutheran Church (202 S 2nd St.) in River Falls. Visitation will also be Saturday from 10:00-12:00 noon at the church. A reception luncheon followed the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to The Humane Society of the United States, The ASPCA, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Ezekiel Church Youth Group, Mutts With A Mission, or any local shelter. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.
16 Comments
Theresa was a wonderful lady who loved her students and coworkers! She set the bar really high for the rest of us! It is hard to imagine Greenwood School without her positive attitude and work ethic! How lucky we were to have her!
I’m so sorry to hear about our dear Mrs. Jonas. I had Theresa back when she was known as Mrs. Slattery and then my son had her after she was Mrs. Jonas. She was wonderful at finding ways to connect with each of her students. We are all better because of the dedication she had for her students. The heavenly teachers lounge is celebrating her arrival.
Theresa was such a treasure. A lovely person with a big, generous heart. I will really miss her.
Theresa was the first person I met when I moved to the Greenwood Vally neighborhood and she was so friendly and kind to me. She always had a treat for my dog when we crossed paths on our walks these passed 7 years. I enjoyed our visits and will miss her very much.
Theresa was one of my favorite teachers. She will be missed!
I remember Theresa because she was a good friend of my sister’s when I was growing up.i especially remember her smile, and in later years, her encouragement as I began my career in education. Theresa will live on in my memory.
60 years of friendship we had . Spent many wonderful times throughout our school years . She was a wonderful friend and classmate and just a great lady . She will be greatly issued . Rest In Peace dear friend 🙏🙏❤️
I met Theresa when we were both 6 years old on the first day of school, Forestville, in Beldenville, WI. We were the only 2 kids in our class. We were best friends and saw each other almost every day all through grade school and many weekends I stayed at the Walter & Betty Cudd family farm with Theresa & Wally. We had great fun playing together. When I met Theresa her first dog was Tiny and her love for all animals was apparent. I gave her one of my farm cats and he lived like a king in the house until he passed. He was a very blessed large cat named Tom. Our friendship continued even though I moved away as I would stop to see Theresa whenever I was able to. I called her on her birthday to surprise her and we conversed about our dogs as we both appreciated all of our animal companions throughout our lives. It is always a tearful occasion to hear about a long time friends passing. Blessings on all the family members of Theresa. Sandy Huppert
Theresa was a great person she will be missed RIP
Theresa was a wonderful person and a dynamo. She was Doc’s stabilizer.
My sincere feelings and condolences to her family and friends. She was a wonderful Teacher. I had “Ms. Slattery” Jonas as a third grade Teacher at Greenwood Elementary School. I enjoyed being one of her many students she instructed over her teaching career. I greatly appreciate her love for animals, volunteering at the Pierce County Human Society and supporting the Animal Humane Society and ASPCA.
Life is a wonderful journey, but unfortunately with life’s changes, we loose those who we have loved and enjoyed. Blessing’s.
Roger Laurence Matzek Neumann Jr
River Falls, WI
Retired – Menomonie, WI
Terry and I send our sympathy to all the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Miss Theresa was a wonderful “ pick up grandma “ at my daycare in Hager City I looked forward to her picking up Randy Shane and Whitney! She was that one wonderful grandma that adored her grandchildren! And she brought “ Doc” sometimes . But her wonderful personality! And her givingness is what I remember ❤️❤️♥️♥️
I heard Teresa’s voice several times before we met on the trails by the river where she and two friends were walking their dogs. We have often met over the past six years for jokes, hugs, and chats about our dogs and cats. I had the opportunity to walk with Teresa several times, just the two of us, and each time appreciated her company more and more. I really didn’t know her back-story, but her conversation was always upbeat, witty, and interesting regarding news of the day and goings on in the community. About a week after hearing the shocking news of her death, while walking the trail where we often met, I swear I heard Theresa’s voice as I rounded a turn; it was her dog-walking friends with her special canine in tow. I hope to hear her voice again in my–in our little corner of paradise. To all of you who have, more or less, known Theresa for a lifetime, I am so sorry for your loss!
Teresa was a wonderful friend and co-worker. I have many fond memories of our time together in the south hall of Greenwood. Sending sympathy to all her family and friends.
Bill, So I am sorry to hear of your loss. My sympathies to you and your family.
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