LIMA — Arnold Joseph “AJ” Theuer, age 76, of Elida, passed away on July 28, 2025, at 4:10 a.m.
AJ was born on February 5, 1949, in Hoboken, New Jersey (as AJ says “Jersey”), to Paul and Josephine Brundecker Theuer, who preceded him in death
On June 22, 2012, he married his best friend, soul mate, and love of his life – Janet Rose Smith Adkins Theuer.
AJ graduated in June 1967 from Cliffside Park High School, Cliffside Park, New Jersey. He joined the U.S. Navy in June 1967 and served 26 years. He retired in September 1993 as a Senior Chief, Electrician”s Mate (E-8). During his Military Career, he proudly served his country in the Vietnam War and through to Desert Storm. To all who had the honor of knowing and working with AJ, he was a leader of the Word and Deed and an excellent example of Navy Core Values – Honor, Courage, and Commitment. He was very generous, kind, and caring. “May the wind be forever in his sails”. During active duty, he attended the Virginia Beach, Virginia Campus of Tidewater Community College. After retiring from active duty, he continued his education attending Lexington Community College and the University of Kentucky at Lexington studying Electrical Engineering. AJ attended Johnson County Community College and was on the President”s List with a 4.0 grade point average. In 1999, he fulfilled his dream and attended the Burlington Northern Santa Fe National Academy of Railroad Sciences. He earned the title of Conductor and began working for CSX Railroad, Lima. On Sept. 19, 2005, he was promoted to the position of Locomotive Engineer. Everyone who knew AJ, knew how much he loved his job and running trains. He is the Co-Founder of Chelsea’s Heart, a project that he and Janet founded to make and donate homemade quilts to the Allen County Board of DD-Early Intervention Program/Help Me Grow. He assisted Janet in the making of handmade quilts and supported her love of sewing. AJ was a member of Grace Community Church. As many know, his favorite comment was “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah!” Upon retirement, AJ and Janet enjoyed cruising and traveling to many places. They cruised through life one port at a time and loved their great adventures. Together they completed 67 cruises all over the world. As Janet always says, “Time spent with my wonderful husband – PRICELESS!”
Survivors include his wife; one step-son, Sean Charles Adkins of Celina; a brother- and sister-in-law, Dr. Richard and Carol Theuer of Raleigh, North Carolina; a sister-in-law, Evalynne Ann (Mickey) Smith of Lima; numerous nieces, nephews, greats, and great-greats; and many close friends and friends who are family.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Chelsea M’Lynn Theuer; his parents; a brother- and sister-in-law, Paul John and Doris Theuer; a sister and brother-in-law, Joan Marie and Eugene Michalkowski; a nephew, James Michalkowski; a father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles Henry and Mary Jane Smith; and a brother-in-law, Jerry Charles Smith.
His funeral service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 2 at 11 AM, at Grace Community Church. Pastor John Heyward to officiate the service. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery.
Friends may call on Friday, August 1, 2025, from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. at Grace Community Church and again on Saturday one hour prior to the service at the church.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Allen County Board of DD-Early Intervention; Special Friends of Northwest Ohio; and St. Jude’s Children Hospital.
The Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Shawnee Chapel is honored to be assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
