Robert "Bob" Vernon Thelen, Martinsville, IN, passed away on the early morning of Monday, December 8, 2025. He was 73 years old. Bob was born in Chicago, IL, to his parents Vernon and Mary Thelen. He earned a bachelor's degree in science and psychology from Gonzaga University. Bob married his wife, Bonnie (Marchal), on January 30, 1988, and they shared 37 years of marriage together.
Bob owned his company Bright Electric and worked as an electrician for many years to support his family. Later, Bob started working for IPS Schools as their resident Electrician. Bob retired from IPS Schools in 2018 after over 25 years of service. Bob was a founding member of St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church with his wife, Bonnie, since 2008. He loved his church family and proudly sang in the choir. Bob enjoyed spending time in nature on hikes where he could appreciate the majesty of God's earth. In his younger years, Bob never missed an opportunity to go swimming alongside his wife. Bob also was very good with his hands; he created several beautiful woodworking projects for himself, his wife, and even his friends and family. Bob will be remembered for his astute intelligence and his love for helping others. Bob would generously provide electrical labor free of charge for those in need. He will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind.
Bob is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his grandchildren, Heidi and Gabriel; his siblings, Mary Thelen, Mike Thelen, and Jim Thelen.
Bob is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Michael Thelen; and his brother, Tom Thelen.
A visitation for Bob will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at Forest Lawn Funeral Home from 4:00 pm to 6:00pm. The funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 10:00 am. Entombment will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens at 11:30 am.
For those choosing to make memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, please send donations to St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church (480 N Town Center Rd PMB 210, Mooresville IN 46158).