Roger John Thelin

1935 - 2013

Roger John Thelin

Urbandale

Roger John Thelin, 77, of Urbandale, Iowa, passed away on February 20, 2013, at Mercy Hospice in Johnston.

Roger was born on May 28, 1935, to John and Violet Thelin and raised in a farming community near Fort Dodge, Iowa. He graduated from Burnside High School. He married Karen Hudson in 1956, and they have resided in Des Moines and Urbandale for the past 56 years.

Roger began his career with Pepsi-Cola in Fort Dodge and relocated to Des Moines to be employed there for 43 years. He enjoyed a successful management career with Pepsi and retired in 1999.

Roger lived large and dearly loved his wife, children, grandchildren, and new great grandson. He adored and advocated for all kinds of animals. Recently he relived his youth through his passion for antique (Farmall) tractors, and participated in the WHO Great Iowa Tractor ride for many years as well as the Urbandale 4th of July parade. He was a sports enthusiast, taking pride in his years of coaching and serving on the board of Urbandale Little League. He would have loved to play golf for the rest of his life.

Roger is survived by his wife, Karen; sons Kirk (Diane) Thelin of Glidden, Jon Thelin of Johnston, and daughter Kelly (Martin) Stinson, of Escondido, CA; grandchildren Allison Thelin of Norwalk, Ryan Thelin of Carroll, Shannon (Dale) Langdon of Danville Ill. and Jarrod Stinson of Escondido; great grandson, Colton Langdon; sister, Betty Frotscher and sister-in-law, Collette Isaacson. Also surviving are nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death are his parents; brothers-in-laws George Frotscher and Harley Isaacson; niece Barbara Snyder; nephew Kent Frotscher.

A celebration of Roger's life will be held at Iles Funeral Home - Westover Chapel on Saturday, March 2nd at 2 p.m. Visitation will precede the service at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions can be directed to The Animal Rescue League of Des Moines. Online condolences will be welcomed at IlesCares.com.