Valerian “Larry” Thelen, age 79, of Isanti died April 2, 2024 at home. A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, May 3rd at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Isanti. A time for visiting will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.
Valerian “Larry” John Thelen was born December 14, 1944 in Mahnomen, Minnesota to Joseph and Lena (Humbert) Thelen. He graduated from Mahnomen High School in 1964. On August 14, 1965 Larry married Donna Vik at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Mahnomen. They made their home in Blaine and Circle Pines before settling in Isanti in 1976. They were blessed with three children, Rick, Brent and Joe. Larry worked as a heavy equipment operator and was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 49. He loved his job. Larry also loved gardening and he kept his vegetable and flower gardens immaculate. He also enjoyed woodworking, mowing, working on cars and helping his family and friends in any way he could. He loved life and was grateful for everything and everyone in it.
Larry passed away April 2, 2024 at home at the age of 79 years. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, Teddy Humbert, Clarence Thelen and Eddie Thelen; sisters, Loretta Thelen, Rosie Winter and Isabelle Hansen; and sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Helen Humbert, Marie Thelen, John Garmen, Clarence Winter and Ivan Hansen.
He is survived by his loving wife, Donna; sons, Rick (Kristine) Thelen, Brent Thelen and Joe (Laura) Thelen; grandchildren, Christina, Amanda (Steven), Evangeline and Valeriana; great-grandchildren, Georgie, Alex, Caroline and Charlie; sister, Theresa Garmin; and by many other relatives and friends.
I had the privilege of working with Val and can say he was a great guy with a wonderful sense of humor.
My condolences to the Thelen family
I was lucky to have Val as a mentor in the construction industry and later work alongside him. Val had a great Midwest work ethic and would do anything and go anywhere for the company. He was always happy and a great guy to work with.
Larry was an integral member of our family ever since Donna met him in high school. He has helped everyone of us Vik kids one way or another and has shared his wood working projects with us too. When a Larry and Donna would come to visit me in El Cajon, CA I was told to have projects for him to work on because he liked to keep busy. I look around my home and am literally reminded of Larry from floor to ceiling. My favorite item Larry made and sent me when I became a grandma was a little rocking chair with a grandma doll sitting in the chair; yes he made the doll and the clothes she wears. Larry was a very talented man who created so many beautiful items in his woodworking shop without using instructions, he figured it all out in his head.
You may be gone Larry but you will not be forgotten.
Sincere condolences to Donna, Rick, Brent, Joe, and the whole Thelen family.
Val was the first superintendent i worked for in the construction business he tought me alot. I have alot of great memories of him.
So sorry to hear of your loss! Bob Potts always has so many stories to tell of Larry and Donna! I got the privilege to have coffee in their home with them a couple of times when Bob and I were out on our bike rides! Rest in peace Larry ❤️
God bless you all ❤️❤️