A well known area funeral director, Mark W. Thielen, 68, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 20 at Bay Area Medical Center of Marinette, WI. He was born on Nov. 24, 1939 in Kenosha, WI to the late Lester and Myra (Hansen) Thielen, he moved to Marinette with his family in 1942 and resided there since.

He was a 1958 graduate of Marinette High School and a 1961 graduate of Wisconsin Institute of Mortuary Science in Milwaukee receiving his Mortuary Science License in Wisconsin and Michigan. Upon graduation he joined his father in business at the Thielen Funeral Home. He later purchased the funeral home from his father in 1973 and bought the Lemieux-Thielen Funeral Home in 1982.

A member of the Wisconsin Funeral Director's Association, where he served as president from 1991 to 1992, the Michigan Funeral Director's Association, Marinette Knights of Columbus Council #719, Marinette Lions Club, Marinette Elks Club BPOE #1313, Menominee Kiwanis Club, Marinette-Menominee Area Chamber of Commerce, Holy Family Parish, life member of the Marinette Jaycees and a Junior Chamber International Senator.

He was past president of Marinette Jaycees, Marinette United Way, Holy Family School Board, North East Wisconsin Funeral Director's Association and the Owls Club. He served as Chairman of the Tri-City Bi-Centennial Celebration and was 1973 American Legion Man of the Year for Marinette.

Married to the former Ruth (nee Sweeney) on Feb. 24, 1979 in Marinette, he enjoyed model trains, traveling and bon fires with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.

His wife Ruth survives;

seven children: Kelly Shepro of Waunakee, WI; Dr. Brian (Julie) Thielen of Green Bay, WI; Sue (Nate) Haning of Middleton, WI; Jim Weirich, Jeff (Cindi) Thielen, Mary (Dan) Bush and Scott Thielen, all of Marinette.

nine grandchildren;

two brothers: Peter (Mary) Thielen of Marinette and Paul (Mary Ann) of Greendale;

three sisters: Jean (William) Everson of Fond du Lac, WI; Anne of Hortonville and Karn (Paul) Gregoire of Carver, Ia.

and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Friends called at the Thielen Funeral Home from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22 with a wake service at 7 p.m. Visitation continued on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. A Funeral Mass was offered on Wednesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Taylor Street, Marinette at 11 a.m. Rev. Joseph Dorner officiated and burial was in Forest Home Cemetery.

©Thielen funeral home notice.

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additional information from FAG contributor "J S #47218931"

Thielen Funeral Home History:

In 1892, J.R. McLain began a tradition of service that continues today at Thielen Funeral Home.

Mr. McLain began offering his services as a mortician from a building that was located at 1503 Main Street. As his business grew he moved to a larger building on Main St. and eventually moved to the building at 801 Wells Street in the early 1930's.

In 1935, Lester Thielen received his license to practice as a funeral director and embalmer. He worked for the Hansen Funeral Home in Kenosha for several years until moving to Marinette in 1942 for the opportunity to purchase his own funeral home.

Lester worked for Mr. McLain until 1944; when he and Al Langer purchased the business.

In 1961, Les purchased Al's half of the business and began plans for a new building to be located at the corner of Church and Newberry Avenue.

In May of 1963, the building was completed and the Thielen Funeral Home began serving the community from this new location.

In 1961, Mark Thielen received his license to practice as a funeral director and embalmer and joined his father in the family business.

In 1972, Mark purchased the business from his father.

In 1995, Jeff Thielen received his license and joined his father.

In 2008, Jeff purchased the business from his father and the tradition continues.

Reference; http://www.thielenfh.com/fh/aboutus/history.cfm?&fh_id=13722

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