During a special Awards Banquet at the Nebraska Credit Union League’s Annual Convention, the 2024 Volunteer Distinguished Service Award was presented to Alan Thelen, member of the Board of Directors at Omaha Douglas Federal Credit Union.
Alan served on the Board of Directors of the Omaha Douglas Federal Credit 
Union from 1998 until his death earlier this year. He was a faithful board member, always looking out for the best interests of the credit union and its members. He served in several positions on the Board, including Chair, Vice Chair and Secretary-Treasurer. Most recently he had served as Vice Chair since 2017. His calm demeaner and wisdom helped guide Omaha Douglas Federal through several major events over the years including a merger with another credit union, a conversion to a community charter, construction of a new facility in 2006, addition of new services, and most recently through the pandemic.
In addition to his involvement with the Credit Union, Alan was a dedicated public servant who led a very active life and worked to help make the Omaha community better. He graduated from Creighton University and Creighton Law School. He began his legal career in private practice but soon started his dream job as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Omaha. He proudly served the people of Omaha for 29 years before “retiring” as Deputy City Attorney in May of 2019. He then continued his commitment to public service after being named the City Attorney of Papillion until he retired again in August 2023.
In addition to serving on the Omaha Douglas FCU Board, throughout the years, Alan served as a soccer coach, basketball coach, Cubmaster, moot court competition judge, finance council member for St Cecelia’s Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus, member of the Beta class of Pi Kapa Alpha and board member of Heartland Family Services. He was also a devoted Creighton basketball fan.
Alan was a pillar of strength and grace, even throughout his brave 15-month battle with lung cancer. He died peacefully on January 27, 2024, spending his final moments at home watching the annual Creighton vs Cancer basketball game. He waited until it was clear that his beloved Jays were going to prevail before he quietly took his leave.
