Robert Peter Thielen departed to heaven to be with Jesus Christ his Lord and Savior on February 1, 2011 at the age of 88. He passed away peacefully at the home of his son and daughter-in-law with them close by his side.
Robert was born in Huron, South Dakota to Peter and Marie Thielen on February 26, 1922. He spent his childhood in Huron and graduated from Huron High School. He then completed trade school, becoming certified in Aircraft Airframes and was employed by Lockheed-Vega Aircraft Corporation in the early 1940’s. He later joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Guam during World War II.
Shortly after discharging from the Navy, he moved to Great Falls, MT where he met and married Margaret Vosen. They lived in Great Falls for a few years, then moved to the Helena area where they raised their family. All four of their children were adopted through the Montana Catholic Adoption Agency.
Following his service in the Navy, Robert worked as a butcher for 32 years in Helena at Brackmans, Union Market, and Safeway. He was an active member of the Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus throughout his life. Robert enjoyed carpentry and woodworking, camping, fishing, motorcycling, and spending time with his family.
Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Marie; brother, Lawrence; beloved wife, Margaret; sons, Bernie and Michael; and a daughter, Mary. He is survived by his sister, Dolores Conway of Rapid City, SD; son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Heidi Thielen; grandchildren, Jake and Kate Thielen; daughter-in-law, Patti Thielen of Littleton, CO; son-in-law, Joe Randall of Helena; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the caregivers of Son Heaven Assisted Living, Big Sky Care Center, St Peter’s Hospital, and Dr. Batey and his office staff for all of their wonderful care.
Viewing will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2011 between the hours of 12 – 6 p.m. with a vigil service to follow the viewing at Retz Funeral Home Chapel at 6 p.m. A funeral Mass will be held at 12 noon, Monday, February 7, 2011 at the Cathedral of St. Helena with interment to follow at Resurrection Cemetery. A reception will be held in the Brondel Center of the Cathedral after the burial. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to God’s Love Shelter, 533 N. Main, Helena, MT 59601 for the homeless in Helena. To send a condolence to the family or share a memory of Robert, please visit: www.retzfuneralhome.com
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Beveridge Family says
Joe & Heidi
You’ve done a wonderful job taking care of Bob in his final earthly years!!
Well done.
The Beveridge family