The Marianus Theiler Scholarship Fund Details/Criteria 

Background:
Dr. George Theiler, Jr. OB/GYN practiced in Green Bay, WI. He had a successful career and retirement until his death on August 17, 2013. In his trust he provided that a scholarship fund should be created to assist descendants of Marianus and Katherine Theiler in pursuing education beyond the high school level. This action is in concert with the Swiss tradition. In Switzerland, the family farm was inherited by the eldest male. In turn, the eldest son had to make sure the other siblings had a trade or other career to assist them in living a true and fruitful life. George (aka Toby) never married and invested wisely. He felt strongly about the value of education. As evidenced by his trust, it was his desire to extend the concept to the entire Theiler family descending from Marianus and Katherine using the Marianus Theiler Scholarship fund, “the Fund.”

History:
Marianus was born in Wollerau, Canton Schwyz, Switzerland in 1862. Katherine was born in Studen, Canton Schwyz, Switzerland 1860. They met while Katherine was working in the Theiler Hotel in Wollerau. They were pregnant when they married in Einsiedlein in 1881. Not being the eldest son, Marianus would not inherit the family farm called “Neufeld” outside of Wollerau. At that time the US Government had a program to encourage people to immigrate to America. Marianus was given his portion of the value of the estate by the family and he and Katherine set off on a journey to America. During the journey, that baby was miscarried at sea. Marianus and Katherine entered through the Port of New York prior to the opening of Ellis Island. They made their way to northern Wisconsin, first settling in Wausau where they owned 2 “forties”. They moved to Tomahawk when it was opened for settlement by William Bradley in 1887. They raised one girl and ten boys. The only girl, Carolina (Lena) was born before the boys and consequently spent her time helping raise the ten brothers. The oldest boy, Frank, took la leadership role in the development of the family. Frank was a successful businessman and community leader. His business interests included banking, timber, railroading and farming. He was well positioned to look after the well-being of his sister and nine brothers. His business interests provided employment opportunities for the brothers as they grew up, especially Brothers Harry and Louis. He sent Brother George, Sr. to McHenry College in Chicago to become a veterinarian. He sent Brothers Carl and Joe to road school and helped establish a partnership which would build roads and excavating projects in Wisconsin. He set Brother Bill up to the Theiler’s Tavern and then Bill Theiler’s Resort. He put Brother Martin, Jr. in charge of the family farm south of Tomahawk. He sent Brother Edgar to Marquette University in Milwaukee to study business, and the youngest Brother, Robert to Stout College to study education. Drawing on this model George, Jr. (Toby) provided a significant resource to establish the Marianus Theiler Scholarship Fund.  

Current Status:
In his trust, George (Toby) named AJ Theiler as trustee, to set up and manage “the Fund”. Toby also provided AJ with the option to name other trustees who would have the same powers. This action allows the trust to continue as long as there are sufficient funds. As the trustee, AJ invited all descendants to join the discussion regarding the structure of “the Fund.” Some have participated and have developed guidance. Kudos to Donnie Theiler, Kathy (Klawitter) Gambacorta, Lynn (Theiler) Grills, Lincoln Theiler, Helen (Bishop) Hoover, Sara (Theiler) Salewske, Tara Casey, Connie Norgren, Kris Theiler, Jerry Theiler, Maria Theiler, and Blake Bishop for their participation. 

Eligibility Criteria:

1. The fund will utilize a reimbursement model (where funds are reimbursed after expenses are paid (versus a scholarship model (where funds are distributed before expenses.) 

2. All natural born or adopted descendants are eligible, but not descendants who were adopted after the age of 16. 

3. Financial need will not be a consideration or a criterion. 

4. Reimbursement will be provided for expenditures in pursuit of a degree or certificate from any college, technical school, or trade school. If you are pursuing an educational endeavor and satisfy the other criteria, you are eligible for this scholarship. 

4.1 You may be eligible to receive reimbursement for college, technical school, any legitimate trade schools, or post high school education requirements for which you needed to pay, which are not reimbursed by other entities. Examples include: CNA, HVAC, barbers, beauticians, auto mechanics carpentry, plumbers, truck drivers, or underwater basket weavers. If in doubt, APPLY. Submit certificate and evidence of payment.

5. Post graduate work beyond a Bachelor’s degree will not be reimbursed except for those programs that do not award a Bachelor’s degree, but upon completion, award a Master’s Degree. These programs will be treated as undergraduate work. 

6. Reimbursement is dependent on course completion based on passing grades as shown on completed course transcripts.