Donald Thielke, age 64, of Ulen, Minnesota, died Wednesday, June 18, 2008, in his home, under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.

Donald Leroy Thielke was born November 8, 1943, the only child of Albert and Myrtle (Wagner) Thielke in Hawley, Minnesota. He was raised on his parents' farm northwest of Ulen. Donald attended school at Ulen High School, graduating with the class of 1961. As a young man, Donald worked for area farmers and in building construction. On June 1, 1969, Donald was united in marriage to Shirley Ament in Glyndon, Minnesota. The couple lived on a farm northwest of Ulen where he farmed with his father. He also was employed at a packing house in West Fargo for over 12 years. Donald then worked as a butcher at the Twin Valley Locker Plant for a few years. In the late 1980's, Donald went back into the construction business in the Fargo-Moorhead area where he was employed by Roers' Construction, Inc., until retiring in April of 2008.

Some of Donald's favorite past times included hunting, trapping and visiting with friends. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as Chairman of the Elders as well as serving on the Hagen Township board.

Donald is survived by his wife, Shirley of Ulen, MN, a son, Bill of Moorhead, MN and several nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents

Funeral Services was held on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 11:00 AM in Trinity Lutheran Church, Twin Valley. Officiating was Pastor Robert Behling with Myrna Thornton serving as organist and Julie Thornton serving as vocalist. Pallbearers were Roger Sorensen, Roy Sorensen, Dwight Johnson, Corey Johnson, Steve Carlson and Seth Houglum.

Interment was in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Twin Valley.