Clarence J. Thelen, 86, of Madison, passed away on Nov. 30, 2019, at Rainbow Hospice in Johnson Creek.
Clarence, the son of Bernard J. “Ben” and Hildagard Catherine Thelen (Schaefer), was born on Sept. 2, 1933, in Johnsburg, Ill. He graduated from St. John the Baptist Catholic Grade School in Johnsburg, Ill., in 1947 and from McHenry Community High School in McHenry, Ill., in 1951.
He married Sue A. Floto at St. John the Baptist Church in Johnsburg, Ill., on April 11, 1953.
Clarence started farming in Johnsburg after graduating from high school. He and Sue moved to Elkhorn, where they continued their life as dairy farmers for 34 years and raised their five children on the farm. He was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church. Clarence retired from farming and became an insurance agent for Rural Mutual Insurance Company for the next 10 years. After retiring from his insurance sales career, Clarence and Sue moved from Elkhorn to Bella Vista, Ariz., where he enjoyed golfing, bowling, playing cards and other social activities for the next 20 years. While in Bella Vista, he was a member of St. Bernard Parish and an active member of the Knights of Columbus.
Clarence and Sue later moved to Oregon to be closer to their family. He was an active member of Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church and member of the church choir. Clarence enjoyed golfing, playing cards and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Clarence and Sue were married 51 years before Sue passed away in 2004. Clarence married Marge Clemens on Nov. 10, 2006, at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Oregon, continued to enjoy his family, and remained active with his church and choir.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years, Marge; his children, Daniel Thelen (Sue), Steven Thelen (Kimberly), Carolyn Beery (Jim), Brian Thelen (Laura), and Lawrence Thelen (Victoria); siblings, Gerald Thelen and Kathleen Thelen; grandchildren, Melissa Gulya, Laura Schiffner, Gregory Thelen, Jamie Gossard, Robyn Ortega, Caitlin Nakayama, Breana Beery, Andrew Thelen, Matthew Thelen, Lucas Thelen, Gwendolyn Thelen, and Julia Thelen; 14 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Clarence was preceded in death by his wife, Sue; his parents; and his brothers, Walter Thelen and Arnold Thelen.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at Holy Mother of Consolation Catholic Church, 651 N. Main St., Oregon, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, with the Rev. Gary Wankerl presiding. A luncheon will follow in Consolation Hall. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday. Interment next to his wife, Sue, at St. John the Baptist Cemetery in Johnsburg, Ill. will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be gifted in Clarence’s name to Holy Mother of Consolation Music Ministry. Online condolences may be made at gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family.
