Micheal "Java" Thelen

Micheal Alan "Java" Thelen, 70, of Fort Pierre, SD died Saturday, August 16, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. Visitation will be from 5pm-7pm with a prayer service at 7pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025 at Isburg Funeral Chapel in Pierre, SD. Funeral service will be 10am on Friday, August 22, 2025 at River Center Church in Pierre. Burial will be in Scotty Philip Cemetery in Fort Pierre. CLICK HERE FOR LIVESTREAM
Mike was born October 5, 1954, in Pierre SD. He was the second of seven children born to Stan and Val Thelen. He grew up in Pierre, graduating from Riggs High School in 1973. While in high school, he played offensive tackle and defensive tackle for the Governors football team, making the All State AA football team as offensive tackle. He spent time on the swim team and swam many miles across the face of the dam. Mike has always enjoyed hunting, and would sneak away from school during his open periods to go kill a bird or two. Rumor is, there was always a shot gun in the car ready to go.
Mike and Connie Snyder were married and to this union Mike and Lesa were born. They moved to Randolf, NE to raise their family, teaching them all the things he enjoyed doing – from hunting to fishing to all things sports. He worked the majority of his adult life for Iowa Beef/IBP as a manager. Mike moved back to Pierre in the 1990's, continuing to work as a meat department manager and meat cutter before he retired.
In 2011, Mike and Julie married, increasing the family population. He was an amazing grandpa teaching the kids that time with them was important whether it was shooting their first deer, fishing, taking Josie the family dog for a run, or finding the best slushie machine in town. He especially enjoyed watching Tyson and Landen play baseball and basketball.
Mike's family and friends were his everything. He passed down the importance of close relationships to his kids and grandkids. He was always there - taking care of people, taking care of things, no questions asked.
Mike leaves behind his wife Julie, son Mike Thelen (Amy), daughter Lesa Gilbert (Jason), bonus children Mandy Kenzy, Josh Boxley (Tina), Chris Boxley (Lacey), Joseph Boxley (Kayla), grandchildren Nate (Elena), Tyson, Landen, Ethan, Karston, Kaden, Megan, Jayda, Jackson, Auston, Jaden, Brecken, Greyson, Lincoln, Caleb, Lexi, Treyton, Jacob and Emery. Three great grandchildren Aundrea, Jackson, and Aubrielle. Siblings Mary Schoepp (Steve), Trish Thelen, Bill Thelen, Nancy Shacklett and Carrie Bruck (Jeremy) and a host of nieces and nephews.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents Stan and Val, brother Dan Thelen, brother-in-law Ricky Shacklett and granddaughter Emma Boxley.