Captain Donald Clarence Thelen

Captain Donald Clarence Thelen, 80, passed away peacefully at his Albuquerque home on July 4, 2024, with his family lovingly by his side.

Born on January 19, 1944, Donald grew up on a small farm in Minnesota with his parents, Christ and Kathryn Thelen, and his six siblings. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he met the love of his life, Connie Marie Thelen. After earning his pharmacy degree, he joined the U.S. Public Health Service and moved to the Four Corners region.

Donald dedicated over 30 years to the Indian Health Services in the Navajo Nation and surrounding tribal communities, primarily focusing on Shiprock, New Mexico. Throughout his distinguished career, he was known for his dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the communities he served.

Donald and his wife, Connie, raised two daughters in Farmington, NM. His family meant everything to him, and he cherished every moment spent with them. He loved to travel and enjoyed spending time with family and friends. Known for his smile and love of making people laugh, Donald's warmth, generosity, and sense of humor will be dearly missed by all who knew him. An avid sports enthusiast, he ran marathons, loved to golf, and enjoyed watching football, especially with family and friends.

Donald is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie Thelen, and his parents, Christ and Kathryn Thelen.

He is survived by his daughters, Melanie Thelen and Tara Thelen; granddaughters, Teagan and Tylar; siblings, Robert Thelen, Shirley Hendrickson, Vernon Thelen, Marvin Thelen, Dennis Thelen, Juanita Willenbring; and his cherished Yorkiepoo, Angel.

A graveside service will take place at 10:00am on July 22, 2024, at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, 924 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87107.