Eugene K. Thelen, Sr. "Euch" USAF, Ret. Eugene Thelen of Grafton, formerly of Port Washington, passed away in the early morning hours of Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at Cedar Lake Community in West Bend. He was 88 years old. Eugene was born on June 5, 1929 in Port Washington, son of Michael Thelen and Myrtle Rismeyer Thelen. He grew up in Port Washington, and with his parents blessing, he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 16, to fight for his country during WWII. After his three year enlistment in the Navy was complete, Eugene enlisted in the United States Air Force. He retired as a Master Sergeant after almost 21 years of service, and was a veteran of the Korean War and the Viet Nam War. On August 20, 1949, he married Betty Kolkema in Folkston, GA. After his retirement from the Air Force, the couple moved back to Port Washington and Eugene started working for Wisconsin Electric (We Energies). He retired as the lead custodian after 20 years in 1989. Eugene was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton and also a member of St. John Lutheran Church in Port Washington, where he was a former elder and a former member of the Men's Club. He was also a member of Disabled American Veterans, and the Rose-Harms American Legion Post in Grafton. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and working in his garden attending to his roses. Eugene is survived by his wife Betty, of Grafton, four children: Peggy (John) Bemis of Altoona, Debbie (Richard) Zirbes of Chandler, AZ, Eugene "Butch" (Cathy) Thelen Jr. of Cheyenne, WY, and Mike (Sharon) Thelen of Saukville. He is further survived by nine grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He is preceded in death by his sister Carol (the late George) Gosewehr. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 17th at 2 PM at St. John Lutheran Church, 217 N. Freeman Dr., Port Washington, with Pastor John Klieve officiating. He will be laid to rest with full military honors at Union Cemetery in Port Washington. Visitation will be held at the CHURCH on Thursday, May 17th from 12 Noon until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to St. John Lutheran Church. The Eernisse Funeral Home, Port Washington, is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com