Robert John Thelen

Robert John Thelen passed away early Sunday morning, December 17, 2017, at the age of 93. He was born on June 28, 1924, to the late John Peter Thelen and Mary Cicero Thelen of Chicago, IL. Bob’s passing was peaceful after a long decline in his later years. Bob was a decorated WWII combat veteran, a graduate of the University of Illinois, and an electrical and mechanical engineer with the Santa Fe and Association of American Railroads. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Legion of Mary and the Order of Carmelites. Bob was a committed, faithful Catholic who gave away far more of what he earned in his life than he kept for himself. He was married to Peggy Thelen from 1946 until her passing in 1995, and together they raised a family of 7 children, 23 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren (so far). He is predeceased by his wife, Peggy; son, Thomas J. Thelen (Dorothy (surviving)); and brother, Donald Thelen. Surviving are children: Robert J. Thelen, Jr. (Kathleen), Ginny T. Still (Gene), David J. Thelen (Deborah), John A Thelen (Allison), Kenneth M. Thelen (Kim), and Timothy A. Thelen (Jeanne); brothers and sisters: Kenneth Thelen and Daniel Thelen. He is also survived by grandchildren: Kelley Getty (Jay), Scott Thelen (Jen), Mike Thelen (Karen), Chris Still (Bev), Jon Still, Beth Thelen, Sarah Mahone (Shannon), Matt Thelen (Ann), Brian Thelen (Santina) Steven Thelen (Amanda), Erin McCauley (Doug), Ryan Thelen, Alex Thelen, Nicholas Thelen, Gabriel Thelen, Rachael Thelen, Paul Thelen, Thomas Thelen, James Thelen, Joseph Thelen (Larisa), Anne Thelen, Claire Thelen, Catherine Thelen. Surviving great-grandchildren: Caleb Getty, Noah Getty, Leah Getty, Kyleigh Thelen, Jacob Thelen, Aubrey Thelen, Duston Thelen, Logan Thelen, Mackenzie Thelen, Martin Still, Hannah Gross, Rebecca Gross, Christopher Gross, Andrew Gross, Grace Mahone, Jack Mahone, Luke Mahone, Mary Mahone, Bernadette Thelen, James Thelen, Caedmon Thelen, Colleen Thelen, Michelle Thelen, Arabella Thelen, Rocco Thelen, Thomas Thelen, Jack Thelen, Matthew McCauley, Natalie McCauley. The funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017 at Our Lady of Lourdes Roman Catholic Church at 2pm, with a gathering for friends and family starting at 1pm. Burial will take place on Thursday, Dec. 21 in Fairfax, VA at Fairfax Memorial Park at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Birthchoice at supportbirthchoice.org

Robert John Thelen

June 28, 1924 - December 17, 2017