Charles “Bud” Michael Thelen was born in Ozaukee County Wisconsin on May 2, 1936 to Bernard and Amanda (nee Esselman). Bud was number seven of fifteen children.

Bud met his future wife, Joan Stephens, at Weilands, and they married on September 28, 1968. They shared 57 year wonderful years of marriage. They have four children - Jesse Thelen, Kim Jepson (Matthew), Becky Roberts, Mike Thelen (Gretchen Zastrow). They have 4 grandchildren -Travis Thelen (Rhonda Rachal), Shelby Howell (Edmund), Duston Roberts (Danielle), Colton Roberts (Mariah). They have 11 great grandchildren - Owaissa Thelen, Vinny Rentra, Migwas Thelen, Wyatt Roberts, Edmund Howell JR, Jaxon Roberts, Nayika Thelen, Sammy Howell, Oliver Roberts, Lucas Roberts, Zyelle Thelen.

Bud started working at young age, helping out his older sister and her family at their farm. Bud moved onto jobs that included foundry work, work at the power plants, electrical work, and he retired from UPS after 22 years as a feeder driver. Bud was also once a volunteer firefighter with the Newburg Fire Department from which he had lifelong friends.

Bud loved his family, playing golf, putzing in his garage/yard, and was an avid deer hunter until the age 83. He also very much enjoyed problem solving for his family and being the family fix it man. Bud took great joy in watching his grandchildren become parents and always enjoyed spending time with them - no matter when he saw them last, he’d always say it’s time for a visit it had been awhile.

Bud is survived by his siblings Erla Schneider, Dick Thelen (Barb), Rita Schneider (Clete), Kathleen Harmeling, Maryann Schowalter (Dave), sister-in-law Mary Thelen, as well as many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his in-laws on his wife’s side - David Stephens (Maureen) and Dorothy Stephens, as well as nieces and nephews.

Bud is preceded in death by his parents Bernard and Amanda Thelen, his siblings and their spouses - Audrey and Andy Dieringer, Lois and Marvin Anzia, Jerry and Kay Thelen, Marilyn and Leroy Averill, William Thelen, Cliff and Marty Thelen, Ron Schneider (Erla), Ruth Ann Tedesco, Don Harmeling (Kathleen), Dan and Nancy Thelen, Pat Thelen (Mary), as well as by his father and mother in-law Jim and Lucile Stephens, brother-in-law Jim Stephens, and nieces and nephews from both sides of the family.
A memorial service will be held for Bud on Friday, February 27,2026 at 2:30 P.M. at Phillip Funeral Home in West Bend. Visitation will take place at the funeral home from 1:00-2:15 P.M.

Bud is loved beyond measure and will be sorely missed.