Shawn Thelen, age 52, of Huron, died Thursday, January 19, 2017, at his home. His memorial service was at 5:00 PM Sunday, January 22nd, at the Kuhler Funeral Home. A celebration of his life was held at 3:00 PM, Saturday, January 21st, at the Elks Lodge.
Shawn Peter Thelen was born on September 24, 1964, at Redfield, South Dakota, to Jerry and Cleo (Wheeler) Thelen. The family lived in the Minneapolis area until 1966/67 when they moved to their farm near Raymond, South Dakota. Shawn graduated from Clark High School in 1982. He then attended S.D.S.U. and earned a B.A. degree in Agronomy. Shawn then worked for Dakota Agronomy in Pierre until 1990. In the spring of 1990, he went to work for South Dakota Wheat Growers in Tulare. He worked there until 1995 when he went into partnership with Greg Krech and Dakota Air Spray which they later sold to Wilbur Ellis of San Francisco in 2007. Shawn continued to work for Wilbur-Ellis for three years. Shawn then went to work for Peterson Farms of Hitchcock and most recently was working for North Central Farmers Elevator.
Shawn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder. Shawn was also a member of the Huron Elks Lodge #444. He enjoyed restoring an International 806 Diesel which was originally owned by David Struck. He also restored a 1965 Ford Mustang which was originally owned by his aunt Karin. Shawn enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was always happy to help others with whatever he could do.
Shawn was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal grandparents.
Survivors include his wife, Sheri; his children, Brady Thelen, Riley Thelen, Chloe Thelen and Hayden Thelen; his stepchildren, Kristen Steffen, Brittany Steffen and Bryce Steffen; his parents, Jerry and Cleo Thelen of Pierre; his brother, Tim Thelen of Pierre; and his sister, Becky (Toby) Hofer and their son, Miles of Huron.