Vernon "Nick" Thelen

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grand father, Vernon Nicholas Thelen, 90, of Idaho Falls, passed away Friday, July 9, 2010, at Community Hospital South in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nick, as he was known to close friends and family, was born April 27, 1920, in Chicago, Illinois, to Nicholas Vernon Thelen and Gertrude Dichie Thelen. He grew up in Chicago and attended schools there. He married Mary Beverly Tipton May 6, 1944, in Baltimore, Maryland. They started their life together in Illinois, where three sons and their daughter were born. In 1961, they moved west to Idaho Falls following Nick’s job with Argonne National Laboratory. Their fourth son was born in Idaho Falls. After riding the bus for 21 years, he was able to retire and spend time with his beloved wife, doing the things they enjoyed. Nick was a member of the Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church in Idaho Falls. While there he served as choir conductor and was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. In later years, Nick and Bev attended Christ the King Roman Catholic Church. He enjoyed rock hunting, square dancing, and music of all kinds. He had a remarkable sense of humor that carried him through life. Nick loved to build things, and used this skill often. His family especially appreciated the screen porch in Salmon where the outdoors could be enjoyed without mosquitoes! Nick will be remembered by those who knew him as a wonderful pianist. He loved animals, especially dogs. His kindness to complete strangers revealed the depth of his soul. After he retired, he and Bev spent many happy summer months at their cabin in Salmon. Surviving are: His wife of 66 years, Mary Beverly Thelen, of Martinsville, IN; their five children, Thomas (Janice) Thelen of Simi Valley, CA Robert (Bonnie) Thelen of Martinsville, IN Mary Catherine (Steve) Rounds of Firth, ID Michael (Andrea) Thelen of Richland, WA James (Deana) Thelen of Yorba Linda, CA Sister: Audrey Muehe of Mesa, AZ 5 Grandchildren & 6 Great Grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, 2010, at Saints Francis & Clare Catholic Church, 5901 West Olive Branch Road, Martinsville, Indiana. The family will visit with friends for one hour prior to services at the church. Funeral Mass in Idaho Falls will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 17, 2010, at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, 9th & Lee, with Father Raul R. Covarrubias officiating and Rites by the Knights of Columbus. Burial will be in Fielding Memorial Park under the direction of Wood Funeral Home. The family will visit with friends following the services at Holy Rosary Parish Hall. Memorial contributions may be made to City of Refuge, 840 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402-3409. Military Rites will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and Idaho Honor Guard. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Becky Blank Mary Catherine and Family . . . we were so sorry to hear about your dad. Please know we are sending our love and prayers your way. Much love, Becky & Chuck Marty Bauchman idahospud30us@yahoo.com Tom, Bob, and Mary. I am sorry for the loss of your father. Reading the obituary brought back a lot of memories of Idaho Falls. Sincerely, Marty Norma (Roberts) Nelson norma.nelson22@yahoo.com We as a family are so sorry to hear of a dear friend's passing. We remember all of the good times we had as friends and neighbors, and those will always be cherished. May the memories of good times always be there and the Lord's blessings be abundant. Your Friends, Merlin and Norma Roberts family Norma Jean and Roger Nelson

Funeral Services

3 p.m. ,Saturday, July 17, 2010 Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church 9th & Lee Streets Idaho Falls, ID 83404 Notes: Burial in Fielding Memorial Park