Walter Thelen

Walter H. "Pinky" Thelen, age 85 of Freeport, died unexpectedly in his favorite chair on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at his home in Freeport, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 5 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport with Rev. Roger Klassen, O.S.B. officiating. Entombment will follow in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11a.m. Thursday at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Freeport. Goldenaires Senior Citizens and St. Joseph's Men's Society will pray at 4 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 5 p.m. and the Freeport Fire Department at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church.

Walter Hubert Thelen was born February 23, 1929 in Freeport, Minnesota to Peter and Minnie (Bruning) Thelen. He graduated from Melrose High School in 1947 and continued to work at the Swany White Flour Mill as he had done all through high school. He was united in marriage to Lucille Overman on September 21, 1953 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Pinky took ownership of the mill in the 1960's and continued to operate the mill until his retirement in 1998. The Swany White Flour Mill has been in the family since 1903. Pinky worked at the mill for a total of 65 years. Aside from working at the mill he also owned and operated a farm for 25 years. Pinky's hobbies included deer hunting, being an avid fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings, and traveling, especially to warmer climates during the winter months. Pinky took pride in the steam engine that he donated to the Western Minnesota Steam Threshers Reunion in 1965 and has visited the show every year since 1969. Pinky also enjoyed spending time with his family.

He was a member of the Freeport Fire Department for 28 years, St. Joseph Men's Society, Mayor of the City of Freeport for 5 years, and Supervisor of Millwood Township for 10 years.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Lucille Thelen of Freeport; children, Karen (Dale) Weisbrich of Cold Spring, Gary (Sharon) Thelen of Freeport, Judy (Dan) Dirkes of Albany, Peg (Gary) Boeckermann of Freeport, and Steve (Amy) Thelen of Avon; 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren on the way; and sister, Jeanne Stang of Pierz.

Pinky was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Marty Stang.

Casket bearers will be Scott Dirkes, Jeff Dirkes, Chris Weisbrich, Hunter Thelen, Greg Thelen, and Maria Boeckermann. Cross bearer will be Sommer Thelen and scripture bearer will be Jennifer Weisbrich. Gift bearers will be Sara Christianson and Megan Borgerding. Reader will be Greg Thelen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred.