Elery John Thielen

Elery John Thielen, age 81. of LaGrande, died Thursday, June 26, 2008 at the Grande Ronde Hospital. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, June 30, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Elery was born on December 11, 1926, the son of Maurice and Ella Mae (Lemons) Thielen in Baker, Oregon. He attended Baker schools until the 8th grade when the family moved to LaGrande where he finished his education. During World War II he served with the United States Navy. After his honorable discharge he returned to La Grande and on October 14, 1949 he married Artie Clack in Union. He worked for the Boise Cascade sawmill for 23 years and then became the Union Organizer for the International Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America, for 20 years.

In the mid-1960s he served on the La Grande City Council for at least two terms. For many years he was an instructor for the hunter's safety program. He was a member of the Western Council of Industrial Workers Local 2851 for over 50 years and served as financial secretary and president. He was also a member of the Eagles Lodge, the La Grande and the Union Gun Clubs and the Isaac Walton League. He bowled on a league for many years and enjoyed trap shooting and playing softball. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed many pack trips into the Imnaha and the high lakes. He loved spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Artie Thielen of LaGrande; son and daughter-in-law, David and Shannon Thielen of La Grande; daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Brad Biechler of Island City; sister and brother-in-law Madeline and Bill Lovan of La Grande; granddaughter Jill (Nathan) Miskin of Lehi, Utah and grandson Jeff McMenomy (Tiffiney) of Vancouver, Wa.; great grandchildren Jack, Isabella, and Sophie Miskin; Wesley, Brooklyn and Jack, and other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting contributions to the Parkinsons Disease Foundation, or Community Connections Senior Center of La Grande.