John Chadick "Chad" Thielen

John Chadick “Chad” Thielen, age 64, of Lake Charles, Louisiana, died peacefully in his home on the evening of September 17, 2018.

Chad was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 7, 1954. He was a graduate of Lake Charles High School and McNeese State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Chad loved southwest Louisiana and everything it had to offer. He was an avid outdoorsman, growing up fishing at Idylease in Big Lake, duck hunting for sport and as a guide. He was a competitive swimmer, snow skier and water skier, even founding Contraband Ski Team. He was especially dedicated to the cause of coastal preservation and was founder of the Coastal Plain Conservancy. Chad held the position of Vice-President and COO of The Lacassane Company. He was also general manager of Morganfield, his long-term passion for positive growth in our region. Chad loved to travel, especially to “Creeksong,” his Montana hideaway. In addition to his love for the outdoors, Chad was passionate about the arts. He loved music and was a proud supporter, including, theater, opera, ballet and symphony. He enjoyed woodworking as well, and was very talented, making cabinets, furniture and even boats.

Chad held the following board positions: Treasurer of the CPC (Coastal Plain Conservancy), Past Board Member of the American Wetland Discovery Center, Past President of the CPC, Past President of the Calcasieu Parish Library Foundation and Library Board, Past Commissioner of the Lake Charles Port and Terminal District Board, Past Director of the Calcasieu Chapter of Louisiana Restaurant Association, Past Director of the Calcasieu Historical Preservation Society and Past Member of the Episcopal Day School Advisory Board.

Chad is survived by his wife, Janet (Jan) Morgan Thielen; one daughter, Morgan Elizabeth; and two sons, Carson Chadick and John Colin Thielen; one sister, Katie Thielen Hoffman; and many loved nieces, nephews and cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Della Krause Thielen; his father, Dr. Jack Edwin Thielen; and an infant son.

Chad lived a philanthropic life, sharing his passions and passing down traditions to so many people. His impact on all that he touched, people and places alike, was profound. He was especially proud of his children, Morgan, Carson, & John Colin, for their many achievements, for following their dreams, and the wonderful adults they have become. He was truly loved by many and will be missed dearly.

His funeral service will be held 11:00 AM on Friday, September 21, 2018 at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in Lake Charles, Louisiana with priests Father Jack Meyers and Reverend Francis “Boo” Kay. Visitation will be at Johnson Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:30 PM to 8:30 PM and continue on Friday at the church from 9:30 AM until the start of the service.

Pallbearers will be F. Gibson Barham, Jim Boyer, Robert (Rocky) Chapman, J. Larry George, Charles Scott Snead IV, Wade Watson and Terrell Woosley III.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following: Coastal Plain Conservancy, P.O. Box 1447, Lake Charles, LA 70602, Calcasieu Parish Public Library, Attn: Heather Hollan, 301 W. Claude Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605 or Bishop Noland Episcopal Day School, 803 Division Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601.