Jeffry John Thelen

Jeffry John Thelen, a man of skilled hands and a giving heart, passed away unexpectedly at his home on March 13, 2026, at the age of 70. He was born, April 15, 1955, to Donald and Genevieve "Gen" (Reinardy) Thelen.

Jeff was a lifelong resident in Farmington, graduating from Farmington High School in 1973. After mastering his skillset in carpentry at Faribault Vo-tech, he turned his passion for woodworking into a legacy. In 1977, he founded Thelen Cabinets in the setting of his father's garage. Through his meticulous and skilled craftsmanship, he became the very first tenant of the Farmington Industrial Park, building a thriving business that he proudly entrusted to his son, Chad, in 2016.

In 1985, Jeff married the love of his life, Sandy (Ratzlaff). Together they shared 40 years of marriage. They started their home together in Hampton, MN until returning to their hometown in Farmington to establish their forever home, where they raised their three children and blessed with two grandsons.

When he was not building cabinets, Jeff contributed his time to numerous volunteer organizations in his community including his dedicated membership to the Farmington Lions Club. Jeff spent the past nine years volunteering with the American Red Cross. He found deep purpose in helping families secure shelter after they had lost their homes to fire and natural disasters.

Some of his happiest times were found on the shores of Cannon Lake in Warsaw, MN. Along with his family and friends, pastimes were filled with fishing, boating, and bonfires.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Phil Procter.

His legacy of hard work and generosity lives on through his loving wife, Sandy; his children, Chad, Linda (Mark) Gueningsman, and Eric Thelen; his grandchildren, Milo, and Tytan Gueningsman. He also leaves behind 11 siblings, David (Kathi), Greg (Gretchen), Wendy (Tom) Sevlie, Dan (Mary Jo), Jim (Mary), Wanda Proctor, Mary (Jim) Huiskes, Debbie (Louie) Livecche, Peter (Cindi), Julie Logan (Mike Greene), and Bob Thelen; along with a large loving circle of nieces and nephews.

Friends and family are welcome to gather for a visitation at the church beginning at 9:30 AM. The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Farmington Lutheran Church (20600 Akin Rd., Farmington, MN). A luncheon will follow after the service and be held at the church. Jeff will be laid to rest at St. Michael's Cemetery in Farmington at a later date.

In honor of Jeff's life and his dedicated heart for service, the family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Red Cross.

White Funeral Home 651-463-7374

Condolences at: www.whitefuneralhomes.com