Margaret Thelen Obituary Margaret (Marge) E. Thelen, age 90, of Nisswa, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of devotion, determination, and deep compassion that touched everyone she met. Marge was born in Detroit Lakes on March 16, 1934, and raised in Richmond. Upon completion of high school, she earned her nursing degree and worked as a nurse in St. Cloud and Brainerd. In June 1956, Marge was united in marriage to John Thelen, Sr., in Richmond. This strong and formidable team moved to Brainerd and started Thelen Heating and Roofing, along with many other successful businesses. Marge set aside her nursing career to raise their seven children, balance the books for her husbands multiple businesses and properties, and devoted time in their busy lives to help others. Marge kept the spirit of nursing alive through the next generation by sponsoring students at Central Lakes College. She served on the Board of American National Bank, honoring her husbands legacy with honesty and integrity. A devout Catholic, Marge lived her faith joyfully and actively as a Eucharist minister, and through the countless rosaries she made, quietly spreading grace around the world one bead at a time. Marge enjoyed playing the piano, gardening, sewing, knitting, reading, camping, swimming in Gull Lake, and traveling the world. You could also find her biking, walking and scooting the neighborhood like clockwork into her final days. Marge had a zest for life that defied convention and she did not slow down. Her health-conscious lifestyle and work ethic were inspiring to all. Margaret leaves behind many legacies, but more than anything is her love; love of her faith and love of her family. May Marges memory be a blessing to all, and may we carry forth her legacy of love and compassion in all we do. She is deeply missed by her children: Nancy (Dan) Shipman, Katherine (Michael) Stalheim, John Jr (Shelly) Thelen, Michael (Carmon) Thelen, Sharon (Greg) Watland, Robert Thelen, and Steven (Stefanie) Thelen; along with 18 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, her siblings; Claudia Ramler and Kenneth VandenBerghe. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Sr, her birth parents, Claude Hassing and Dora Burns; adoptive parents, Michael Backes, Rose Ramler, and Theresa Gresser; siblings, Mary Viles, Alvina Hensley, step-sister Birdie Gresser; and grandson, Chad Stahlheim. A private service was held by the family on June 5, 2025. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to: Samaritans Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/margaret-e-thelen-nisswa-mn/ or to Christian Broadcast Network at cbn.com