Jacob Michael Thelen, 91, of Virginia died Monday, April 17, 2023 at The Waterview Woods in Eveleth. He was born Jan. 15, 1932, in Orr, the son of Valentine and Anita (Anderson) Thelen, and was an honorably discharged U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Jacob married Mary Carol Rasen on Aug. 31, 1957 in Cloquet. They made their home in Duluth, and moved to Virginia in 1972. Jacob was employed as a machinist for U.S. Steel in Gary New Duluth and Minntac. He was a member of a classic car club in Hibbing and the DAV Kolstad Chapter 23 in Virginia. Jacob was a man of many talents: He was a sawyer, machinist, carpenter, gardener, and fisherman who enjoyed spending his time with his family and friends. He was a quiet man with a great sense of humor.

Jacob is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Thelen; children Ann (Todd) Heinonen of Virginia, Laura (Milo Strom) Thelen of Eveleth and Paul (Cheryl) Thelen of Eveleth; brother Daniel Thelen of Atkinson; granddaughter, Kelly Marie (fiancé Bryan Hart) Heinonen; step-grandson, Travis (Angela) Reimer of Cloquet; step-great-granddaughters, Lexi Reimer of Ohio and Kayla (fiancé Avery Pint) Reimer of Coon Rapids; and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children John Thelen and Catherine Thelen; and brother Benjamin Thelen.

A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Services provided by Bauman-Cron, a Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia.

Pine Knot News, April 28, 2023