Alma Thelen, 96, of Clarissa, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at the Central Todd County Care Center in Clarissa.  Funeral services for Alma were held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 11 a.m., at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Clarissa with Father David Maciej officiating.  The visitation will be on Tuesday, January 22 from 5-8 p.m. at the Iten Funeral Home in Clarissa.  Interment was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery in Clarissa.

Alma was born on August 24, 1911 in Breda, Iowa, to Clement & Mary (Woerdehoff) Schulte.  She grew up in Iowa and on September 23, 1930, Alma married Paul Thelen in Breda, Iowa.  They were married for 70 years.   Alma and Paul moved to Eagle Bend in 1950 and in 1967 moved to Clarissa.  Alma enjoyed playing cards, making rosaries and loved her gardens and flowers.  Alma was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, St. Theresa’s Circle, Third Order of St. Francis and taught CCD for many years.

Alma is survived by her children:  Iris (Andrew) Oswald of Omaha, Nebraska, Ardella Scott of Omaha, Nebraska, Earl (Carol) Thelen of San Antonio, Texas, Vern (Rhoda) Thelen of Clarissa, Patricia Tigges of Fridley, Aldon (Jane) Thelen of Fairmont, Illamae (Roger) Kolstad of Carthage, Missouri, Lawrence (Bonna) Thelen of Clear Lake, Wisconsin, Robert (Gloria) Thelen of Glenwood, Sally (Leland) Adamietz of Clarissa, Paul Jr. (Deborah) Thelen of St. Peter, daughter in law, Winifred Thelen-Harstad of New Brighton, 48 grandchildren, 88 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Alma is preceded in death by her parents, husband Paul, daughter Elaine, son Lyle and 2 brothers.