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Christopher Thelen Obituary

Christopher Thelen
August 19, 1986--April 29, 2015
San Ramon
Christopher Todd Thelen passed away suddenly on April 29th, 2015. He is survived by his parents, Mike and Donna Thelen, his older brother, Scott Thelen, Grandmother, June Smith, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Chris grew up in San Ramon where he was active in a variety of sports, including baseball, swimming, and water polo. He graduated from Cal High, attended college at Fresno State and Cal Poly and was working on finalizing his degree at Cal State East Bay.
Chris loved to read, especially fantasy, and dreamed about being an author. He was also an avid follower of the San Francisco Giants and baseball in general. A true animal lover, he could often be seen with his beloved rescue dogs Jake and Rex.
Christopher's tender heart and loving personality will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at Canyon Creek Church 9015 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon on Sunday, May 17th at 3:30 in the afternoon.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the local SPCA online at www.eastbayspca.org/tribute or Canyon Creek Church 9015 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon, Calif. 94582

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Contra Costa Times on May 5, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Thelen

Sponsored by East Bay Times.

Not sure what to say?





Debra Akins-Delta Dental

April 29, 2024

Rest in peace Christopher

3/26/15

Nicole Corso

April 29, 2019

Nicole Corso

April 29, 2019

I miss you so much Chris I think about you all the time. And I will never forget on my birthday 2015 you showed up at my house really early in the morning and you are so excited to be the first person to wish me a happy birthday. And you had that huge smile on your face that you always had. That's one memory of you I will never ever forget. You had such a amazing personality a really good heart and you were so loving to your dog and animals. You were taken too soon Chris.

Ross Wentner

May 17, 2018

We knew eachother when we were really young and I moved away. I never forgot you and I hoped you never forgot me. It makes me so sad to hear about what happened Chris. It seems like you had so many people that cared about you. You were special and thats probably why you left such a lasting impression on me and everyone else.

Nicole Corso

May 16, 2018

Miss you friend. Not a week goes by that i don't think about you. I know you are in heaven, but you can and do look down and see everyone you loved and cared about who are still here in this life. I so wish i could sit and talk with you, or take our dogs for a walk together. I love an miss you SO MUCH Chris.
My email has changed, but i cant post this without the one already on file. If for any reason someone reading this wants to reach out to me, my current email address is [email protected]

Nicole Corso

May 16, 2018

I met Chris while working at Mimi's Cafe in Dublin and it was one of those instant connections where you just click with someone. The type of chemistry that is few and far between. The type of chemistry where you just know that person is going to be in your life for the rest of your lives that is how it was the day I met Chris at Mimis Cafe in Dublin. He was an amazing friend always had a big huge smile on his face loved my dog his dogs loved my dog he spent almost a month straight at my home we were attached at the hip there for a while. Here it is 3 years later and it doesn't hurt any less than it did 3 years ago. I miss my friend and I think about my friend all the time. I often wonder about his beloved dogs Jake and Rex, how they're doing. Of course, how his parents are doing as well.
I will never forget he was so excited to be one of the first people to say happy birthday to me on my birthday March 26th 2015. He actually woke me up cuz he was so excited to bring my gift over which was a beautiful blue orchid in a beautiful blue orchid pot. I took photos of him on my birthday with that huge smile he always had on his face. The orchids been gone for a while but I still have the blue pot it came in and I will have it for the rest of my life.
I LOVE AND MISS YOU SO MUCH friend..
Nicole Corso

Jenna Robinson

March 9, 2018

I have many great memories with Chris. Chris was enamored with my horse Doc, and learning to ride. I took him out with Rex trail riding in the dunes, and I took off running with my horse leaving Chris and his horse to run after me. He was a little upset at first, but he came out to ride numerous times after that. I told him bareback is the best way to learn and feel the horse; he was very dedicated and persistent. He would fall off with his face covered in dirt, and hop right back on. He taught me a lot about working out, and weightlifting. To this day, when I go to the gym, I can here him telling me to lean forward farther to engage the lower back, or always do abs last. Planks are best. He was very passionate about that, and dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler (circa 2008). I was heartbroken when we parted ways, and I ended up moving to WA. I will always remember his smile, bright spirit, love for animals, and those beautiful blue eyes. I am deeply sorry for his family.

Jason Chang

November 23, 2017

Dear Chris, I am happy that you were in my life and I will cherish all of the childhood and school memories we had. You touched many peoples lives including me. You were a great lifter, singer, musician, and intelligent friend. I will always miss you.

Liza Kasenchak

August 20, 2015

I just learned this very sad new this week. I am so sorry for your loss Thelen Family. I can not imagine the grief that you must feel to lose someone you loved too early. His memory will go on and I hope you find positive ways to celebrate him. Please let me know if there is anything I can do.

July 22, 2015

Dear Mike and Donna and Scott,
Words cannot express how saddened I was to hear of Chris passing. He was such a wonderful guy and always so polite and respectful to others.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Elyce Hansen

Nicole Corso

June 30, 2015

I miss you so much Chris.

John and Lisa Townsley

June 29, 2015

Donna, Mike and Scott, our heart breaks for you. Our memories of Chris were of that spunky tow head at Scott's games always with a great smile and fun persoanality. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Judy Nichols

June 15, 2015

Mike and family.
I also loss a son at age 25 years old. I know the pain and sadness you are going through. I have you in m y prayers as it is not right for parents to bury their children. I hope you find the peace you need. God Bless your family.

Allan Petersdorf

May 17, 2015

A young man who always had a smile for others! We will remember him in our hearts.

maura schulz

May 17, 2015

I have so many good memories of your Chris at 12 playing basketball with my nephew Derrick. He was such a great kid back then and I loved asking you about him at Delta as he grew into a man. I am so very sorry he's gone. You were such a good family and excellent parents to your boys. I'm praying for you.

Rose O'Sullivan

May 15, 2015

Mike and family, I am heartsick hearing of the loss of your beloved son. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time. Rose O'Sullivan

May 14, 2015

Mike,Donna, Scott ,so sorry for your loss,an are condolence to you an your family. Are prayers are with you. George Avila,family

May 12, 2015

Dear Mike and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time. With love, Elizabeth Holmes

Mike Ghiglieri

May 11, 2015

Mike,

My deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cyn Cady

May 11, 2015

Dear Mike and family...so very sorry for your loss.

Peggy Nieto

May 11, 2015

Mike, Donna and Scott: John and I are so saddened to hear of Chris's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time.

Mari, Jude, Emmi, and Chase Callahan

May 10, 2015

I'm so sorry for your loss. Chris was a wonderful person, and he will be so missed. He had such a great spirit and smile, and it was such a pleasure to know him. This makes me so sad. We are praying for you, Thelens!

Jenny Collins

May 8, 2015

Dear Mike and family,
We were so lucky to get to know Chris thru the Aqua Bears- he was the coach the kids couldn't get enough of - the memories of his exuberance on deck will never fade!

May 7, 2015

Dear Mike and Family, I was so deeply saddened to hear of the loss of your son. My thoughts and prayers are with all of all you.

Kathy Bello

Nicole Corso

May 7, 2015

I miss you so very much already Chris. So does everyone who was part of your life and Mimi's family. You were such a great friend to me an your love of animals ran as deep as my own. I will never forget the laughs we shared together or our nightly walks w Jake and Nala. I can only hope and pray that you are in a better place now and you are smiling. I hope that you are with my sweet Pebbles an that you are looking after her for me.
Nicole

Colleen Wilson

May 7, 2015

To the family and friends of Chris,
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Chris was so loving and generous. I cherish the time I spent with him. Wishing you love, faith and peace at this time.

May 7, 2015

Dear Mike and family, I would like to offer my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved son. Please know that you all are in my prayers........... Lynnette Valley

May 6, 2015

Hi Donna and Mike
We were shocked and feel heartbroken about the sad news of Chris, our love and prayers are with you.
Love Linda , Mike and family

Tess Brandt

May 6, 2015

Dear Mike, Donna, and Scott,

Please accept my condolences for your dear loss. I am part of your Blackhawk Chorus family, and you can call on me for support.

In sympathy,
Tess Brandt

May 6, 2015

Mike & Family - heartbroken to hear this news. Love and condolences, Lynette & David Crosby

Ileana da Silva

May 6, 2015

Dear Mike and family, I have no words to express the sadness I felt when I heard of your loss. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

May 6, 2015

Mike, Donna & Scott,
There are no words to express my heartfelt condolences, in the passing of your dear son and brother, Chris. I'm praying for you during this most difficult time.

Debra Akins

Virginia Pursley

May 6, 2015

Mike and Family, I am so sad to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you all during this very difficult time.

May 6, 2015

Mike, Donna and Scott,
Stan and I are truly sorry to hear of Chris' passing. There are no words comforting enough at a time like this, just know that there are so many who love and support you and share in your sorrow.

Stan and Julie Williams

Barry Rubio-Licht

May 5, 2015

Mike, Donna and Scott,
We are very sad to hear about Chris. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family. God Bless you all. Barry, Nanette, Gregory and Natalie.

May 5, 2015

Mike, Donna and Scott,

We are so sorry to hear about Chris. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you and your entire family. God Bless you all. Barry Nanette, Gregory and Natalie.

May 5, 2015

Dear Mike and family, I am sadden to hear of your lost. Will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. Love You Monica Bonds

May 5, 2015

Although I did not know your Son personally I want to tell you and your family that my heart aches for your loss and my prayers are with you in this time of sadness. Stacy member BHC

nancy norland

May 5, 2015

Mike, Donna, and Scott,
I am sorry to hear about the loss of your son and brother. I wish you all peace and strength through this sad time.

Chris Bertrand

May 5, 2015

Dear Thelens,
Your Blackhawk Chorus family grieves with you on this overwhelming loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you for healing and strength during this most difficult time.

May 5, 2015

Dear Mike and family, I am so sorry that you have to go through this devastating loss. I send wishes for strength and peace eventually in your life. We are waiting to help you heal at BHC.

Diane Gilfether

May 5, 2015

All of us in the Blackhawk Chorus send you our love and warmest thoughts, and our sincere sympathy. We promise to wrap you in the arms of our musical family as you begin the healing process.

Lynn King

May 5, 2015

Dear Mike and family, I am sincerely saddened to hear of Chris' passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Nicole Seip

May 4, 2015

Thelen family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss! Chris was am amazing man. Sending you my thoughts and prayers!

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Memorial service

3:30 p.m.

Canyon Creek Church

9015 S. Gale Ridge Road, San Ramon, CA

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