THEISTE HONORED

Harold “Hal” Theiste ('55)

Theiste is 2020 Bethany Distinguished Alumnus

BY JAKE KRIER • MANAGER OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

The recipient of the Bethany Lutheran College Distinguished Alumnus Award for 2020 is Harold “Hal” Theiste. Theiste, who passed away in December 2018, is receiving this award posthumously. Hal was a graduate of Bethany High School (1952), Bethany Lutheran College (1955), and the College of Science, Literature, and the Arts at the University of Minnesota (1957).

After earning his bachelor's degree, Theiste worked for General Mills and Orr Engineering before being hired by Control Data Corporation (CDC) in the Twin Cities in 1960. At CDC for 30 years, he was a programmer, held several management positions, and eventually was the company's National Account Manager. Of particular note, Theiste was part of a small group of programmers at CDC who helped create the operating system for Seymour Cray's groundbreaking CDC 1604 supercomputer. In 1977, because of the impact Hal made on the computer software industry, and reputation he had as a strong business leader, he took a leave of absence from Control Data and served for four years as the deputy administrator for the U.S. Small Business Administration under President Jimmy Carter.

Even in retirement, Theiste never slowed down. He penned a monthly business column through 2013 as part of the Service Corps of Retired Executives, volunteered for the United Way as a business mentor, and always found time to tutor students in math and physics.

Bethany meant so much to Harold, and he gave so much of himself to ensure the mission of the College was always delivered. He served on the Bethany Board of Regents from 1984 until he chose to step down in 2017. He also led Bethany high school classes of 1952 and '53 raising the funds to create “The Way of the Cross” stained glass window which sits above the main entrance of Old Main. He also helped to create the Distinguished Alumni Award at Bethany serving on the selection committee from 2008–14.

Hal's Christian faith was always number one in his life, attending and being an active member in church activities was always a priority for him. At every church that Hal was a member of, he was asked, or volunteered to serve in a leadership role to help guide the church and ensure the mission is fulfilled.

Harold was called Home to be with our Savior on December 16, 2018, and is survived by his wife of 61 years, Arlene (Eichhorst) whom he met at Bethany, their four daughters (Elizabeth, Mary, Karin, Laura) and their families; eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. The family is proud and honored to accept the Distinguished Alumnus Award on behalf of Harold. Daughter Mary noted, “Receiving this award would have meant so much to him, more than any other award he has ever received. He praised and cherished his Bethany education. It helped form the solid foundation for his entire life.”