Mavis G. Thelen

Mavis (Sandberg) Thelen, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 31, 2026, with family surrounding her, and as Chaplain ‘Mark’ led us all in “I’ll Fly Away.”

Mavis was born on October 12, 1939, to Martin and Gertrude (Haugen) Sandberg. She was the second oldest in a family of 15. She married Merle Larson on June 16, 1962, at Drammen Lutheran Church. On April 10, 1967, their daughter, Connie, was born. Merle and Mavis were later divorced.

She married Herbert Thelen on October 10, 1984. Mavis lived in Eau Claire on Barstow Street, behind the Wigwam. She had many friends there, including a special friend, Bill Deusterbeck, who was a helpful companion to her.

On September 4, 2024, Mavis entered the Grace Edgewood Assisted Living on the Dementia Unit in Altoona. She was cared for by wonderful and caring staff, including Chaplain “Mark’s” weekly visits.

Mavis is survived by many loving family members, including, her daughter, Connie Larson; her siblings, Clarice “Sandy” (Duane) Gray, Yvonne Johnson, Lyle (Joanie) Sandberg, Lenette Sandberg, Bonnie (Maynard) Kleuckmann, Faye Severson, Rhonda (Tom) Segerstrom, Jack (Pam) Sandberg, and Jerry (Shirley) Sandberg; her sisters-in-law, Joyce (Sandberg) Anderson, and Kathy Sandberg, also by many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Mavis was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Allen Sandberg, Martin “Marty” and Judy Sandberg, David Sandberg, Ralph Sandberg, and Violet and (Glyn) Beebe; brothers-in-law, Robert Hanson and Doug Severson.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 11:00AM at Talbot Family Funeral Home with one hour of visitation prior. Mavis will be laid to rest at Lyster Lutheran Cemetery following the service.

Not only does the family thank Grace Edgewood Assisted Living and their staff, but they would also like to thank the entire staff at Lily Hospice for the loving care given to Mavis.