Obituary of Arthur Thelen

Arthur “Art” Clemens Thelen age 77 of Hugo, Colorado passed away Sunday, October 23, 2011 at his home in Hugo. He was born June 29, 1934 in Hugo, Colorado the son of Nicholas Paul and Felicia Amelia (Koppes) Thelen. He grew up in Hugo and graduated from Hugo High School in 1953. On May 28, 1955 Art was united in marriage to Jacqueline June Tuttle in Denver, Colorado. They shared over fifty-six years of marriage. To this union they shared four children, Renee, Michel, Casey, and Susan. Arthur proudly served in the United States Army as a Medical Corpsman from October 1, 1958 to January 28, 1960 where he was honorably discharged. Art earned the rank of Private First Class (E-3) and was stationed in Texas and Alaska. After serving in the Army, Art moved back to Hugo where he ranched and farmed in the area for over twenty five years. He was a welder and mechanic for the county of Lincoln where he retired in 2002 with twelve years of service. Art also served on the Lincoln Community Hospital Board for eight years. Art enjoyed all sports, especially his beloved Denver Broncos. He enjoyed the outdoors and had a few interesting hunting trips for bears, elk and coyotes. Art had many talents and one that he had much passion for was his woodworking projects. He enjoyed hand crafting furniture, cabinets and clocks for family and friends. Most of all, Art loved being a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Art will remain in the hearts and thoughts of his family and friends forever… Art is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Jacqueline of the home; two sons, Michel Thelen of Hugo, Colorado and Casey (Renita) Thelen of Hugo, Colorado; two daughters Renee (Fred) Bletzacker of Hugo, Colorado and Susan Thelen of Fort Morgan, Colorado; three brothers, Jim (Lisa) Thelen of Hugo, Colorado, Keith (Julie) Thelen of Hugo, Colorado and John (Judy) Thelen of Hugo, Colorado; three brother-in-laws, Fred Tuttle of Hugo, Colorado, Robert Wood of Fresco, Texas and James Wood of Albuquerque, New Mexico; one sister-in-law, Kay Neckel of Loveland, Colorado; nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and eighty-two foster children. Mr. Thelen was preceded in death by his parents; one sister, Laura Clagett, two brother-in-laws, Charles Clagett and Bill Solze; and one grandson, Eric Thelen.