Washington County Leader Retires After Decades Of Service

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — Washington County Public Works Director Don Theisen brought his career to an end Monday after more than three decades of public service.

Theisen was promoted to lead the county’s public works department in 2005, after serving for several years as the county’s engineer and deputy director of the department.

He previously worked as deputy director and assistant engineer for Washington County from 1992 to 1998 before a stint as Dakota County’s engineer until 2001, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported.

SoWashCo Drops Mask Mandate At High Schools

His career in public works started early when he was hired by Ramsey County at 15 to mow grass, Theisen told the outlet.

Theisen was lauded during a Washington County Board of Commissioners meeting in January, with officials calling him “a giant” of the industry and thanking him for his dedication to the county’s residents.

Joe Triplett, director of public works and county engineer for Chisago County, read a proclamation during the meeting that recognized Theisen’s career in public service and declared Jan. 25, 2022, as “Don Theisen Day” in Minnesota.

Brutal Cold Gives Players Hypothermia As US Soccer Wins In MN

Theisen is a “a quiet modest leader and problem solver, one who first seeks to understand and obtain input from all involved” before making decisions, Triplett said, reading the proclamation.

Theisen has helped coach and “develop the next generation of leaders, thereby establishing a legacy that will continue to influence the transportation profession for many years to come,” Triplett said.

“I count him as a good friend, and (I’m) real fortunate to be able to pay attention every time — well not every time, but most times he talks,” Triplett joked after reading the proclamation.

Former Washington Co. Judge Launches Bid For MN Attorney General

Commissioner Gary Kriesel said Theisen’s legacy is “the team of professionals that he’s established in the Department of Public Works.”

“The quality that we get out of that area is just unbelievably good,” Kriesel said. “He’s got a pretty good sense of humor too.”

Prison Guards Injured During Search At MCF Stillwater

Commissioner Stan Karwoski told Theisen he made officials’ work “a lot easier with the skill and compassion you bring to the job every day.”

Theisen, who did not attend the board’s meeting because he was feeling sick, said he has been “fortunate and blessed” to work with great people throughout his career in Washington County.

“It’s been a great ride. Thank you for all of your support,” Theisen told the board, noting he worked with 34 commissioners during his time with the county.