Otto P. Thelen

Otto P. Thelen, age 85, of New Munich, died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 2, 2015 at his home in New Munich, Minnesota.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 5 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich with Rev. Daniel Walz officiating. Interment was in the parish cemetery.
Otto Peter Thelen was born June 1, 1930 in St. Martin, Minnesota to Henry and Mary (Meyer) Thelen. On June 23, 1955 he married Francella “Fran” Maritsch at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in New Munich. Otto was a school bus driver for over 25 years. He managed the New Munich Municipal Liquor Store, worked at Melrose Kraft for 15 years, Worms Lumber and Ready Mix in New Munich, and at the Sauk Centre Walmart as a greeter.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Catholic United Financial, Albany Knights of Columbus Father Pierz Council #3628, New Munich Lions, and the St. Joseph’s Men’s Society. He was a volunteer fireman for the New Munich Fire Department and served as city treasurer for New Munich. Otto enjoyed bowling, gardening, playing cards, helping Alan and Lynn on the farm, and going to the casino. Otto was an avid sports watcher; he enjoyed watching the Minnesota teams and the local teams, and was the manager of the New Munich Amateur Ball Team for many years. He loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Fran Thelen of New Munich; children, Sharon (Joe) Schwieters of Greenwald, June (Norm) Schwieters of Holdingford, Paula (Rueben) Schwieters of New Munich, Lynn Van Drehle of New Munich, Scott (Carol) Thelen of New Munich, Kelly (Tim) Thielen of New Munich, and Kurt (Peg) Thelen of New Munich, 14 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brother, Oswald Thelen of St. Joseph; and sister, Margie Dierkhising of Cold Spring.
Otto was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Alan Van Drehle; brothers, Martin and Valerius Thelen; and sister, Elizabeth Dold.
Serving as casket bearers were Tanner Schwieters, Nathan Schwieters, Jamie Schwieters, Brittany Van Drehle, Zachary Thelen, and Dakotah Thelen. Cross bearer was Brady Van Drehle and scripture bearer was Amber Van Drehle. Honorary bearers were the New Munich Lions.
Arrangements were made with Patton-Schad Funeral & Cremation Services of Melrose.