Lake Co. businessman mourned as devoted husband, dad
John J. "Jack" Thelen was described as vibrant, funny, stern, fair, but above all else, a devoted husband, father, and friend, family members said Wednesday.
The co-owner of Thelen Sand and Gravel in Fox Lake and Spring Grove, died Sunday after a 30-month battle with glioblastoma, a stage-four cancerous brain tumor. He was 59.
"It's very sad, and a tough journey," said sister-in-law Cyndi Parazak, who spoke on behalf of the family. "You think you are prepared, but when the end hits, you really are not."
Thelen worked at the family's company since 1963. His father, Vern, founded the business in 1947.
Thelen was born in Woodstock and raised in Pistakee Highlands and Spring Grove before moving to Antioch. He was a member of St. Peter Church of Antioch.
Friends and relatives have been leaving well-wishes and favorite memories at caringbridge.org, a Web site devoted to connecting family and friends during serious health events.
In the pages on the guest book section, Thelen is described as a person with an incredible sense of humor, a zest for life, who was often stern to work for but gratuitous in praise.
"He was really a wonderful man who will be missed," Parazak said.
Thelen described himself as a lucky man for all the friends and family who surrounded him.
He was a past president and board member of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, an Antioch Rotary Club board member, and a member of the Northern Illinois Ready Mix & Materials Association and Illinois and Wisconsin Ready Mix Concrete Associations. He was an avid horseback rider and outdoorsman and was active in Boy Scouts of America, the Northern Illinois Shooters Association, the Big Foot Archers and a board member at the State Bank of the Lakes for 21 years.
Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Debbie; his children, John and Jessica Thelen, and Jennifer Barton; his mother, Mary Ann "Bunny" Thelen; three brothers, Tom, Pete and Steve; five sisters, Mary Beth Varak, Sue Schumacher, Ann Kroupa, Barb Miller and Peg Miles; and four grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Visitation is 2 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Strang Funeral Home of Antioch. A funeral Mass will is 11 a.m. Friday at St. Peter Church in Antioch. Burial will be in Hickory Union Cemetery, Newport Township.