Jack was employed since 1963 by Thelen Sand & Gravel, a family-owned company. On January 20, 1973, he married Deborah Nesbit in St. Louis, Mo. Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Debbie; his children, John R. (Tami), Jessica M. Thelen and Jennifer K. (Patrick) Barton; his mother, Mary Ann "Bunny" Thelen; his grandchildren, Taylor, Jacob and Kylie Thelen and Grace Barton; his siblings, Mary Beth (Bob) Varak, Sue (Warren) Schumacher, Tom (Paige) Thelen, Pete (Terry Childers) Thelen, Steve (Diana) Thelen, Ann (Mark) Kroupa, Barb (Mark) Miller and Peg (Tom) Miles; his father- and mother-in-law, Robert C. and Dorothy J. Nesbit; and his sisters-in-law, Cyndi Parazak, Karen (Dan) Spalding, and Kim (Gary) Martin and their families. Jack is further survived by a large extended family. Jack was preceded in death by his father, Vern Thelen, a brother-in-law, Ross Berry, his maternal grandparents, the late Jacob E. and Matilda Stoffel, and his paternal grandparents, the late John J. Agatha Thelen.

Those desiring may make contributions to Neuro Oncology, c/o North Shore University Health System in honor of Dr. Nicholas Vick, 1033 University Place, Suite. 450, Evanston, IL 60201 or the American Brain Tumor Association, 2720 River Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018, in his memory

Ride With Him Again...

He checked his gear's condition, his cowboy hat was on just right.

His mount was prancing nervously, 'fore he cinched that saddle up tight.

Today's his longest journey, and it's been coming for a while.

Though he knows it's hard departing, he'll be starting with a smile.

He spoke his peace to his children, while he softly held his wife.

And he said to those who'd listen, She was the best thing in his life.

A braver man there wasn't when life would challenge him with trouble.

He would charge into the fray, and do the right thing on the double.

But the Trail Boss called his number, and the White Steed couldn't wait.

It was time to ride those hooves of starfire, till they reached the Pearly Gate.

So he left us at his bedside, watching over him with love.

And he spurred that Spirit Stallion toward his new home up above.

Well, we'll miss that long, tall cowboy, maybe tear up now and then.

But we know we'll see him someday, and ride the range with him again.

-Lincoln Rogers