Mr. Wayne Gordon Thielen, beloved husband of Betty O’Donnell, father of Jody Strahl, Trevor Thielen and Brady Thielen, passed away at home in Milk River, Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the age of 72 years.
Wayne was born on August 9, 1953, in Lethbridge, Alberta to Katie and Gordon Thielen of Allerston, Alberta. He was a brother to Leonard, Ramona, Lois, Clifford and Tom.
His early education was at Masinasin School and later at Erle Rivers High School in Milk River. He was an avid curler, played football in high school and was active in 4H. He later added volunteer firefighter, golf and camping to his interests.
Wayne was never far from a good time, a skill that followed him throughout his life.
He was a man who wore many hats; grader operator, self-employed truck driver, home and farm construction contractor and farmer. As a perfectionist, he could do anything that he set his mind to.
Wayne’s family is huge, stretching from Saskatchewan to Washington state. Wayne and Betty rarely missed an opportunity to get together with family. Reunions, weddings, funerals, birthdays, and rodeos are just a few of the reasons they hosted or travelled, usually dancing the night away. His family was everything to him. You could hear the pride in his voice when he talked about them.
He loved the small-town life and the community of Milk River meant so much to him. He could often be found at the car wash or Rocky Mountain Equipment catching up on the latest news, if you needed help, he was always the first one there.
He was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, friend and mentor to many. He will be greatly missed by all.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 35 years and dance partner Betty O’Donnell; children Trevor (Amanda) Thielen, Jody (Carl) Strahl, Brady (Jessica) Thielen; grandchildren Jonathan Thielen; Caroline, Kenneth, Eric, Douglas Strahl and Tiny Thielen expected in August to Brady and Jessica. His sisters Lois (Tim Andrew) and Ramona Thielen; brothers Clifford (Joyce) Thielen, and Tom (Julie) Thielen. Wayne has many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins that share our grief.
Wayne was predeceased by his parents Katie (Gaetz) and Gordon B Thielen; brother Leonard Thielen; nephew Ted Andrew; in-laws Joe and Margaret O’Donnell and Mona Spencer.
He was taken from us too early. We find solace knowing that he passed quickly in his sleep without suffering.
The 70’s saw Wayne working for the County of Warner, Coutts Motors and HH Smith. In 1978 he started Thielen Trucking with his brother Leonard. In 1984 he built his first house on the top of the hill in Milk River. In 1988 Mr. T Contracting was born. From then on, he worked as a home and farm construction contractor when he wasn’t farming with O’Donnell farms.
As we say goodbye to the great man that was Wayne Thielen, we encourage you to share any memories you have with his family and friends.
Wayne’s honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the CRH Foundation: Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Campaign, or to the Milk River Firefighters Society.
A Celebration of Wayne’s Life will be held from 2:00 – 6:00pm on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at O’Donnell/Thielen farm in Milk River in the shop. Please bring a lawn chair.
A private graveside service will be held beforehand.