Marion E Thelen

Born April 27, 1934 in Chicago, Illinois; she was the daughter of the late Berent Olson and Elida (nee Tjelmeland) Olson, who immigrated from Norway.

Marion attended Jones Commercial High School in Chicago and worked at Sara Studio where she met Norm, the love of her life. They married in 1957 and raised their family in Niles, Illinois surrounded by family and friends. On their street lived many young families; they were famous for their July 4th block parties. Marion also enjoyed throwing birthday parties for Todd and Karen.

They are very close to the Haaland cousins in Iowa and visited every year; they all enjoyed spending time on a farm.

Over the years, Marion sold Avon, worked at Merle Norman and later worked as a secretary at John Crane.

Marion & Norm retired to Las Vegas in 1996, where they continued living their dream. They enjoyed living in a new area they could explore. They saw shows on “the strip” and took many scenic drives to Mt. Charleston and Bryce Canyon. They cruised to Hawaii, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera with friends or family.

Marion & Norm felt blessed to be part of St. Andrew Lutheran Church when it was consecrated in 1997. They attended services regularly as well as bible study and Marion served on the Altar Guild.

Marion was positive, friendly, sociable, had a great sense of humor and was a person of faith who made friends easily. She liked all animals but especially loved the cats she had during her adult life.

Marion was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years; her parents; her brother, Albert and sister-in-law, Arlene Olson; and son-in-law, Steven Van Deren and first cousin Tillet Haaland.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Karen Van Deren; her son, Todd Thelen; and nieces and nephews, Gail (Ray) Simms, Alan (Glenda) Olson and Valerie (Troy) Bradshaw and the Haaland cousins.

Memorial service to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: St. Andrew Lutheran Church, 8901 Del Webb Boulevard, Las Vegas, Nevada, 89134 or ASPCA.org.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.palmcheyenne.com for the Thelen family.