Thelen, James "Jim" John 1933-2019

THELEN, OSWALD, GEARY

Posted By: Marjorie Brunsting-Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:33

James “Jim” Thelen, 85, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the Good Samaritan Society in Le Mars.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2019 at All Saints Catholic Parish – St. James Church in Le Mars. Reverend Bruce Lawler will celebrate Mass with Rev. Paul Eisele concelebrating. Burial with military honors provided by the Wasmer American Legion Post 241 of Le Mars will be in Calvary Cemetery in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will be after 4:00 p.m. Friday, May 24, 2019 at Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars. There will be a Scriptural Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. followed by a Parish Rosary. Visitation will resume from 9:30 a.m. until service time on Saturday at the church. Arrangements are with the Rexwinkel Funeral Home in Le Mars.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Midwest Honor Flight Program.

James John Thelen was born September 7, 1933 in Granville, Iowa, the son of John and Appleonia (Oswald) Thelen. He attended school in Granville and graduated from St. Joseph Catholic School. While in high school, Jim was active in athletics. Jim was the catcher for the high school baseball team. Following high school, he moved to California, looking for work. Finding no work, he returned to the area and went to work for Sheehan Produce in Le Mars. While working at Sheehan’s, he met his future wife, Agnes Geary. They were united in marriage on October 11, 1954 at St. James Catholic Church in Le Mars.

They made their home in Le Mars. In 1955, he was drafted into the United States Army. He served his country during the Korean Conflict. Following his honorable discharge, he returned to Le Mars.

He worked for Council Oak Foods as the produce manager in the local grocery store, then transferred to Sioux City and became the product merchandiser for National Foods until 1972. Later, he went to work at the milk plant for Wells’ Dairy, and as a dispatcher for a trucking company in Sioux City.

In 1978, he owned and operated J & A Vending. After selling the business, he went to work for Harker’s Distribution in Orange City until his retirement. Following his retirement, he and Aggie volunteered for over 20 years taking local residents who were unable to drive to their appointments.

Jim was a member of All Saints Catholic Parish in Le Mars. He was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed going fishing on the Floyd River, having coffee with his “buddies”, and trying his luck at the casino. In May of 2018, he was able to go on the Midwest Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. where he received recognition for his service to his country. Jim will be remembered for his sense of humor and his willingness to help anyone in need.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 65 years, Aggie of Le Mars; his son in law: Gary Pecks of Le Mars; 3 children: Cheryl (Don) Palmer of Le Mars, IA, Barry (Brenda) Thelen of Sioux City, IA, and Pam (Scott) Jacobsen of Denison, IA; 11 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren; two sisters: Madonna Thelen of Granville, IA, and Betty Warren of Cedar Rapids, IA; his in laws: Eileen Geary of Sioux City, IA, Margaret Grosenheider of Le Mars, IA, Cecilia Hutton of Sioux City, IA, and Joseph (Marjean) Geary of Oyen, IA; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Appleonia Thelen; his daughter: Rochelle Pecks; 3 brothers: Marvin Thelen, Erwin (Ann) Thelen, and Julius Thelen; his in laws: Rosemary (Bill) Leber, Vincent Geary, Bernard (Ruth, Nellie) Geary, Richard (Bonnie) Geary, Leo Geary, Lloyd Grosenheider, Eugene Hutton, and Ray Warren; and two nieces: Vicki Youngberg and Kathy Geary.

Source: Rexwinkel Funeral Home online onbituary.