Manfred Thullen

Manfred Thullen, 70, of Surprise, Ariz., died Sat., March 29, 2008. Manfred was a loving husband, exemplary parent and adoring "opa." He had a tremendous zest for life and a boundless curiosity. He touched many lives and positively impacted each one of them. Mr. Thullen was born in Quito, Ecuador, in 1938 to German parents (Peter and Magdalena Thullen). He grew up trilingual and multicultural in Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Canada, and Switzerland. Manfred studied at the University of Muenster, Germany, then emigrated to the U.S., where he obtained advanced degrees from the University of Louisiana, Baton Rouge. In 1965 he became a U.S. citizen. Thullen's career spanned more than three decades in the academic field as faculty member at North Carolina State University (NCSU), Michigan State University (MSU), and Northern Illinois University (NIU). In addition to teaching and research responsibilities, his efforts focused on international educational agreements and study abroad opportunities. Mr. Thullen organized and administered programs that fostered the internationalization of the schools he represented. For many years he consulted with the Centro Marista de Estudios Superiores University in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico, developing and implementing a service learning plan across the curriculum. In 2002, Mr. Thullen retired from NIU. He and his wife relocated to Henderson, Nev., then moved to Surprise, Ariz. During his retirement years, he was very active in the community. He founded a service organization to homeowners that provided assistance with tasks and equipment. He participated in the Community Homeowners Association Patrol Service, RV Club, Fishing Club, Valley Astronomy Club, Democratic Interest Group, and served as block captain for his neighborhood. Manfred is survived by his wife of 47 years, Dot Thullen (nee Thompson), daughter Christina Thullen, son Matthew Thullen, daughter-in-law Janet Thullen, granddaughters Hannah and Emma Thullen, brothers George (Sylvia), Norbert (Angie) and Sisters Heidi Thullen Hasel and Ursula Thullen de Horning. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will be held in Surprise, Ariz., on April12, 2008. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Manfred & Dot Thullen Study Abroad Scholarship; Study Abroad Office; c/o Anne Seitzinger; Williston Hall 417; Northern Illinois University; DeKalb, IL 60115