Roger's Funeral Service Video

Roger William Thielen, 82, entered eternal life June 2, 2024, with his loving family by his side after suffering complications with his heart.

Roger was born in Manitowoc and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961. He met and later married his wife, Joan Cherney, on October 13, 1962. Roger dedicated his life to working hard and was proud of every job he had. After working at Lou's Bootery for 7 years, he started in the insurance business in 1973, with Bankers Life and Casualty. In 1977, he began his career with Radtke- Rhone Insurance agency.  Roger remained with them until his retirement in 2016. During his 37 years with Radtke-Rhone, he was very fortunate to travel to many different countries through United Life and Health Insurance Company. He and Joan traveled to the Virgin Islands, Czechoslovakia, Hawaii, and Alaska, just to name a few. He was also able to send his wife and daughters on several European tours.

He found his passion for antiquing along the way, which led to him and Joan moving into the Rainbow Antique Mall, starting with just one stall. Business was so good they acquired Elmdale School Antiques, operating the store until 2013. After selling their business, they began selling their antiques at Water Street Vintage, where they still have several booths.

Roger also worked at Liebe Auction Service his alongside his grandson RJ and granddaughters Hannah and Caitlin. Roger very much enjoyed working with them. Roger took pride in his antiques and connected with his customers on a personal level, which created life-long friends. Roger was known for his storytelling and his contagious laugh - both of which will be missed by all that had the pleasure of knowing him.

Roger and Joan moved from Manitowoc to Green Bay in 1965. In 1976, they moved to New London where they raised their 3 daughters. In 1999, after years of hard work, Roger and Joan started to build their dream home, a log cabin in rural Waupaca Co. It is there where they lived together and celebrated many holidays, as well as hosting many family gatherings with the people they loved. Roger enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He taught them many skills: gardening, making homemade pickles (which he was known for), and how to hunt. Roger enjoyed living in the country - especially watching the wildlife that visited his yard. Roger took care of the birds, and wished for birdseed for Christmas and birthdays. He was a selfless man.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Joan; daughters, Kim Spartichino and Tammy Herminath; son-in-law Jim Gaffey; brother, Gary Thielen; sister Barbra (Randy) Harvey; 8 grandchildren, Robert (RJ), Scott (Dawn), Samuel, and Hannah Spartichino, Caitlin and Jordan Herminath and Michaela and Ella Gaffey; 3 great-grandchildren, Emery, Haylen, and Robert T. Spartichino, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Roger was preceded in death by his mother and father, Marcella (Bermke) and George Thielen, his mother and father-in-law, Marguerite (Elfner) and Joseph Cherney; his son Timothy Mark Thielen, and daughter Tina Louise (Thielen) Gaffey.

Summarizing the life of someone so grand isn't easy. Roger was loved and respected by everyone in his community. He was fun-loving and respectful, supportive, and kind. He was a devoted and proud Lutheran. When he couldn't make it to church, he would listen to the service on the radio. His strong faith has given our family great peace, as we know he is now in heaven. He loved his family and supported them all in every endeavor. Please join us in memory of Roger Thielen, and bring your stories of him to share.

The Funeral Service for Roger will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at Cline & Hanson Funeral Home in New London with Rev. Marcus Schulz officiating. The visitation will take place from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Roger's name.