Peter Gustav Thielen

Peter Gustav Thielen, loving son, step-father, uncle, brother and friend, passed away on September 5, 2022, due to complications from cardiac arrest. Pete served until the end of his life with an unwavering love of giving of himself to others-- his family, his friends, his neighbors and his church community.  He leaves behind two step-daughters, Jennifer Morris, Chambersburg, PA, and Rachel Hendrickson, Highlands Ranch, CO, whom he raised with their mother Nancy Joseph; and three grandchildren who delighted in his playful spirit—Joseph Morris, James Morris, and Layla Hendrickson.  He also leaves two brothers, Albert E. (Joyce) Thielen, Jr., West Springfield, MA, Christopher (Patricia) Thielen, Cincinnati, OH, and a sister, Kathryn (Glen) Scorgie, San Diego, CA, and eleven nieces and nephews, whose lives he touched in loving and encouraging ways.  He was predeceased by his parents, Albert E. Thielen, M.D. and Carolyn Fath Thielen.

Peter grew up in Cincinnati, OH, graduated from Western Hills High School and The Ohio State University with a degree in Communications, before settling in Columbus, OH where he started a career as a private investigator.  Pete loved all things Ohio State, but also became an avid supporter and fan of the teams his grandsons cheered for through the years. 

Peter came to Christian faith at an early age, and remained faithful to that commitment his entire life. His personal faith informed the encouragements and wisdom he shared with family members and friends, sustained him during personal challenges and disappointments, and inspired his many acts of compassion, generosity, and community service. He found particular delight in participating in the Emmaus Walk and music ministries of his church.

Pete had a knack for memorizing lines from his favorite TV shows and sharing them every chance he could get—the Simpsons being one of his favorites. He had an eclectic taste for music, ranging from the Beatles to Lyle Lovett to Pink Floyd. He also loved to cook for others, serving those in the church and the community as often as he could.  Peter had a celebratory spirit which he brought to birthdays and holidays—highlighted in the lavish decorations he would set up every year for Christmas and Halloween.  He left his mark everywhere he went and his Larger than Life presence will be greatly missed. He loved with a big heart, and is now at peace, at home with his Lord and Savior, whom he served to the end of this life.

For those that knew and loved Peter, there will be a celebration of his life Saturday October 1^st, noon to 2:00 PM at Linworth Road Church 5400 Linworth Rd Columbus, Ohio 43235. In leu of flowers please consider giving a gift in Peter’s honor to Orphan World Relief (https://orphanworldrelief.org/) and/or Tom Short Campus Ministries (https://www.tomthepreacher.com/support)