Mark Thielen

Mark Thielen, of Bradenton Florida, passed away suddenly on February 15, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Charlotte Thielen: their 3 sons Matthew, Michael and Kevin Thielen and grandchildren Kaeleb, Lucas and Ash: and siblings Maggie Parker, Beth Thielen, David Thielen, Abby Darr, Megan Heeg, Joe Thielen and John Thielen, and many nieces and nephews.

Mark was born in Chicago Illinois in 1951, oldest of the 8 siblings, to Don and Jackie Thielen. There Mark became active in the Boy Scouts an earned the rank of Eagle Scout. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the Air Force and, as he liked to say, to avoid Viet Nam and to learn a mechanical skill. He achieved neither of these goals as he was deployed to Viet Nam and worked with munitions. Since he didn't see where a skill in dealing with explosives would get him, he left the Air Force and pursued a career in Social Work receiving a Bachelor's Degree from the University of West Florida, "Go Snails Go" he could often be heard to say. Mark went to work for the Eckerd Foundation, working with emotionally handicapped children in a wilderness setting putting both his scouting skills and social work degree to use. After 8 years Mark made another career change, he pursued a Master's Degree in Personnel Administration and then a 35-year career in Human Resources.

Throughout Marks adult life he was consistently involved in supporting youth programs in the community from washing dishes for the church youth program to cooking in the band concession stand and helping out with programs at the church and YMCA. Mark was particularly proud of his involvement in the local Scouting program beginning in 2000 with his son's cub scout troop and since then he held numerous scouting positions at the unit and district levels including NYLT staff, , Roundtable Commissioner, USA Instructor and College of Commissioner Science Instructor. Mark felt that one of his greatest accomplishments in scouting is that some adults he trained for scouting positions are still involved in scouting long after their own child aged out of scouts.

As a concession to his wife's love of the beach and an annual family beach trip Mark became interested in flying stunt kites and loved to share this skill with any and all who were interested. Mark also enjoyed practical jokes so that you never knew what might be coming next from him. He enjoyed games and the occasional poker games on our yearly beach trips.

Charlotte and the family would like to thank their many friends who have provided great support for Mark before his passing and after. Memorials in Mark's honor should be directed to Kirkwood Presbyterian Church in Bradenton or Southwest Florida Council, Camp Flying Eagle.

Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida, is in charge of arrangements.