Lloyd M Thelen

He was born the fifth of six total children blessed to Fred and Anita (nee Klawes)Thelen in July of 1936. Lloyd resided in the Oconomowoc/Ashippun area the majority of his life. He attended Lincoln Elementary School and graduated Oconomowoc High School in 1954.

Near the age of 14, Lloyd began working for The Davy Farm, where they became his second family. It was here Lloyd developed his strong work ethic and the importance of giving to others. As a teen, Lloyd started to donate blood via The American Red Cross. He continued donating for many decades and earned the distinction of Blood Hero-Champion Blood Donor.

In 1958, Lloyd joined the Army and stationed in Germany where he was a Sargent First Class assigned as an 88M Motor Transport Operator, driving various tactical vehicles used for high-ranking officials.

After, serving his country, Lloyd worked as a foreman for several gray and ductile iron castings foundries like General Castings, Sibley Foundry, and Willman Industry for over 45 years.

Throughout his life, especially in retirement, Lloyd was never "a sitter." Bowling and trap shooting were the weekly interests in his younger years, but his true passion was being in the great outdoors. He enjoyed many activities including hunting, fishing, roofing, crafty wood working, mowing the lawn, feeding birds, and golfing. In fact, Lloyd finally hung up the clubs and hunting gear only 3 years ago. His other passion was being the biggest fan for his two granddaughters' various activities.

Additionally, he was an avid supporter of The World Wildlife Organization, St. Jude's, Boy's Town, Bethesda, and, especially, the Dodge County Ducks Unlimited Organization which he supported the last 27 years.

As a recognized National Major Donor DU member, he relished in the camaraderie of friends, the selling of annual fundraising calendars, and even winning an "occasional" banquet raffle. Lloyd held the preservation of wetlands close to his heart and was "recognized for the unselfish dedication and significant contribution to waterfowl conservation" on several occasions. Perhaps his love of Western Movies and TV Shows encouraged his naturist traits.

Lloyd is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Anne M Thelen (nee Zivkovich); daughter Ginny (Brian) Ehlers; granddaughters Hannah (Joel Roberts) and Meghan Ehlers, brother Richard (Kathy) Thelen, and Brother-in-Law Jim Hennes ; along with numerous loving nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings, and their spouses, Betty (Robert) Edwards, Robert (Joyce) Thelen, Fritz (Barb) Thelen, along with his nephews Michael Edwards, Doug Edwards, and Guy Thelen, as well as niece Sara Noonan.

In 1970, Lloyd also lost his brother, Ray "Jack," following a surgery in which Lloyd donated his kidney. It was at that time Lloyd communicated a clear desire to donate his body for future medical research. His wishes are being fulfilled by The Medical College of Wisconsin.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to all staff at ProHealth Home Health Care and ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital, for their endless support, care, and friendship, over the past years.

A Memorial Mass will be held at St. John's Catholic Church in Rubicon, Wisconsin

Saturday, January 24, 2026

10 a.m. visitation

11 a.m. Mass

12 p.m. luncheon