BIOGRAPHY

Prem was born in St. Joseph, Minnesota, USA, on 19 February 1885, to parents Frank W. Willing (1857–1952) and Mary Elizabeth Benning (1862–1942). She had at least three brothers: Henry J. (1887–1976), Frank N. (1889–1942), and Arthur B. (1894–1950).

On 16 October 1907, at the age of 22, she married Joseph Edward Prem (1882–1962) in St. Cloud. The couple had two sons, Virgil Francis Prem (1913–2003) and Dr. Konald Arthur Prem (1920–2015). She and her husband purchased a house in 1922 and ran Prem Grocery together. She was a volunteer during most of her adult life. She was re-elected as president of the Catholic Women’s Association in both September 1939 and September 1940. In the 1940s and 1950s, she served as a Red Cross Gray Lady volunteer at the St. Cloud Veterans Hospital. She was a member of St. Mary Cathedral, Daughters of Isabella and St. Margaret’s Society.

Well into her 90s, she continued painting, a hobby she had enjoyed for many years. By the age of 105, it was reported that she was no longer as mentally sharp and sometimes had difficulty recognizing even her own son. However, physically she remained in good health, with normal blood pressure and no need for medication.

Theresa Prem passed away in St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA, on 9 June 1995, at the age of 110 years, 110 days. She was survived by her two sons, four grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest (known) living person in the U.S. state of Minnesota, possibly succeeding Mary Curley in May 1994. Upon her own passing, she was succeeded by Bertha Flathers.

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg and Stefan Maglov, and validated by LongeviQuest on 16 October 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* Theresa Marian Willing Prem – Find A Grave

* St. Cloud Times, 27 September 1939

* St. Cloud Times, 24 September 1940

* St. Cloud Times, 20 October 1950

* “Woman, 105, continues family pattern” – St. Cloud Times, 19 February 1990

* “Theresa Prem, 110, St. Cloud” – St. Cloud Times, 12 June 1995

GALLERY