Sylvester John Thelen Jr.

Sylvester John Thelen, age 90, of Templeton, died Monday, November 14, 2022 at St. Anthony Nursing Home in Carroll. A Private Family Burial will be held at a later date in Sacred Heart Cemetery in Templeton. Funeral arrangements are under the guidance of the Sharp Funeral Home in Carroll, and online condolences may be left for Sylvester’s at www.sharpfuneral.com. Sylvester was born on January 3, 1932 in Carroll County, Iowa, to Sylvester John, Sr. and Mathilda E. (Neuerburg) Thelen. He attended Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School in Carroll County, finishing grade school, and later took a correspondence course to finish high school. At age 16 when his father passed away he left home and went to work as a hired man. He worked at various jobs before settling in Templeton to drive truck for his brother Gerald and later purchased a Portable Feed Mill from him. He became a dealer for Supersweet Feeds in 1960 and continued grinding feed for farmers and selling feed until his retirement in 2000. In retirement he enjoyed going to the casino and gardening, which was his favorite way to pass time as he liked to work and being outdoors. He was not a traveler, but did enjoy his trips to the Bahamas and Hawaii. He was a member of Sacred Heart Church in Templeton. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus, and a former volunteer fireman. He married Kay Frances Fuchs on February 15, 1958 at St. Francis Church in Maple River with the Rev. P.M. Mattes officiating. They made their home in the Templeton area for their life. They have two sons: Michael Sylvester of Rochester, MN; and Cletus John Thelen of Templeton; all surviving Sylvester. Also surviving are the following brother and sisters: Ralph of Davenport, Mary Ann Ludwig of Carroll, Lynette (Michael) Schaffer of Omaha. Sisters-in-law: Florence Thelen of Atlantic, Virginia Thelen of Anita, Cecelia Thelen of Carroll, and many nieces and nephews. Sylvester was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Gerald, Eugene, Norman, Norbert & Lawrence; and sisters Linda (John Hoffmann), Marcile (Alfred Hoffman) and Dorothy, Victor, and Melvin in infancy. Sisters-in-law: Mrs. Marlene (Norman) Thelen, Mrs. Donna (Ralph) Thelen, and brother-in-law: Allan Ludwig.

Sylvester John Thelen Jr.

January 3, 1932 - November 14, 2022