Steven Ray Tholen, 59, of Grinnell, died Friday, August 9, 2024, at Hays Medical Center, Hays, KS. He was born in Oakley, KS, on January 23, 1965, to Lawrence and Agnes (Schumacher) Tholen. Steve grew up in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1983. Steve did construction with his dad and brother Greg and had also worked at Western Plains Energy. On July 7, 1997, Steve married Shelly DeJansen and they had one daughter, Kelly. Steve was a volunteer firefighter and also served as the fire chief for many years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an avid sports fan. Steve particularly enjoyed cheering on the KC Chiefs, Royals and KU. Above all, Steve loved spending time with his daughter and grandson RJ.
Steve was preceded in death by his parents and brother Rick Tholen.
He is survived by his daughter Kelly (Lee) Fellhoelter and grandson RJ Fellhoelter, of Grinnell; siblings, Greg (Stacy) Tholen, of Grinnell, Rhonda Rudell, of Manhattan, KS and Tina (Eddie) Parks, of Stockton, KS; nieces and nephews, Mindy (Eric) Hilt, Tyler Tholen, Tanner (Leslie) Tholen, Trisha (Tracy) Hageman, Tenille (Tuker) Gillespie, Jenna (Danny) Grater, Trevor (Rene) Parks and Tinley (Tyler) Hahn; 16 great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.
Cremation was chosen. The family will receive friends from 4-6:00 p.m., with a Vigil at 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Parish Center, Grinnell. A Memorial Mass will take place at 10:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Grinnell, with burial in the church cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Steve Tholen Grandchildren’s Education Fund and sent in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701.
For information or condolences visit baalmannmortuary.com.