Several fond memories of Uncle Bob - they all revolve around family -- going fishing with bread balls for bait, hanging at the zoo, playing cards, crab boils at the beach, weddings, smiles, laughter, hugs and always a story to share. Thank you for sharing your life with us and including us in yours. Our Lady of Victory, pray for us.

As we grew up on the southside of Chicago we had our scrabbles growing up! Bob was the protector of his younger brothers. He was also the peacekeeper. Diane and I miss you and we will see you again. Love you and God bless you big brother. Ken and Diane Thelen Atlanta, GA

We love you Grandpa! Sarah and Shannon, Grace, Jack, Luke and Mary

I am so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. He and I have the same birthday which was right around the time I met him 16 years ago. My favorite memory is all of the rosaries he led over the 14 years we met on Tuesday nights. Bob came to my school and talked to the entire sixth grade. I can still see him laughing as he held up his belt from WWII stating he was a little smaller back then. Thoughts and prayers for all the Thelens. Love, Anne

My thoughts and prayers to all for my uncle Bob. Memories of he and my dad Ken staying up all night to argue different sides of anything. A very loving respected man. Randy Thelen

Bob...Im not sure if youre into eulogies, but since a eulogy concerns part of the life of one who has moved on into Gods arms, then this is a eulogy. Still, for me, this is more like some of our past discussions...except you dont get to rebut or push the keys!! Ill try to be brief...but, I have a few things Id like to say that your grandchildren who you Love so much might enjoy. And since this is a eulogy, I will speak OF you, dear brother, not TO you. Love is an essential when we speak of Bobs life so this is a place to start since the vibrant and vital Love of Bobs family for each other reflects the Love that exists within the everlasting Love of their parents for each other and their children. Bob is our big brother. This was never questioned. Bob was always our big brother whose Love and protective efforts were apparent and shared and necessary. He was also a sign of the times...both practically and morally...and somehow, usually, out front. As odd as it seems, I suggest that Bob sense of responsibility started as early as a few months after he was born in 1924. It probably began when Mom convinced Dads boss to make hin his personal assistant. The very-apparent result of this decision, our Dad...who did this to maintain the family...spent most of the next 15 years away from home, riding the train routes most of each month to maintain their place in the national rail system. In the process, he became a key American railroader. With Dad traveling, Bob began to grow into the de facto man-of-the house during the good old days of the early 1900s and the pains of the dust storms and The Depression. This responsibility became serious when the world troubles began to grow into what would become WWII. By 1939, our Dad was finally spending months at a time in his Chicago office supporting the needs of a country soon to be at war. But, now in his teens, Bob was still our Moms daily support. To help out at home, he work

If I start writing, I may never stop. This man, this wonderful man made such an impact on my life that it's difficult to sum up in a few words. At times I wished he was "my" dad. At times, I felt like he was the only friend I had in the world who understood me. There were times that I just knew if I called Bob, he'd be there for me. No question. I know he's there for all of us NOW! Even more so. The last time I spent time with him I was packing up my house down the street from John. I was exhausted. Beyond exhausted. I promised Bob I'd come by because he knew how tired I was and he said he'd make dinner cause that next morning I had to get on the road for a 12 hour drive. I got so sick that I had to sit in the bathroom till I felt the "passing out" phase would leave me. I never wanted Bob to know I was "bleh". So, I finally came out of the bathroom, stay a few minutes longer and than had to leave. My heart broke because he thought I was leaving to just "go home" to my empty house around the corner and I just couldn't bear to tell him that I was just too overspent from cleaning and packing. I was looking forward to that time. Just to spend talking about God, life and just anything and everything. He always brought out the best in me. I wanted to be the best for him! I can just hear him saying "God bless you"..I love you, Bob Thelen. I am pretty sure you knew that but, it's kinda nice to put it in writing. It will always be written on my heart. Just think, he may be up there right now baking bread for everybody! How blessed heaven is right now welcoming him home. <3 love always, Mary

I know both Beth and Sarah. Loved looking at his pictures and hearing the stories that have been shared about him. He sounds like a wonderful man! Please know that your families are in our thoughts and prayers!