Obituary

Rebecca Thelen

March 8, 1982 - September 24, 2025

Rebecca Lynn Thelen (Hepburn) died on September 24th, 2025, at the age of 43. Born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, Becca was a mystical and deeply spiritual person, unafraid to live in the tension of contradictions. She was real as hell, honest, raw, and unfiltered, yet also soft, tender, and deeply caring.

For more than 20 years, Becca devoted herself to massage therapy and taught as a certified yoga instructor. She was a natural-born healer of the body, heart, and spirit. Through her hands, her presence, and her wisdom, she helped others reconnect with their own strength and wholeness. This work was not just a profession; it was her calling.

She valued integrity and honesty above all else. She surrounded herself with people who could meet her in depth, refusing to settle for surface-level connections. To those she loved, Becca was both a safe harbor and a flame. She was the one who would sit with you in your shadows and remind you of your light.

Her life was complex, her story layered, and she never allowed herself to be reduced to a single narrative. She could hold grief and joy in the same breath, and she showed others it was possible to live truthfully in the midst of both.

Becca leaves behind a legacy of resilience, fire, and love. She will be remembered not just for what she endured, but for the way she insisted on truth, created beauty out of pain, and touched countless lives with her fierce authenticity.

Rebecca is survived by her husband, Andrew Thelen; her sons, Elias and Ezra; her former partner, Brent Martin, with whom she raised her son Xavier; her parents, Shelley and Rob; her siblings, Jacob, Kayla, and Joelle; and her chosen family of lifelong friends, who will remember her for her radiant smile, her quick wit, her healing touch, and her fierce authenticity.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 3rd at First Plymouth Church, 2000 D Street.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to • BraveBe Child Advocacy Center, 5025 Garland St, Lincoln NE 68504 or • Postpartum Support International, 6706 SW 54th Ave, Portland OR 97222

October3

Funeral Services

CST

First Plymouth Church

2000 D Street

Share a Memory or Condolence

October 4, 2025

I graduated Massage school with her. I do remember her being kind. I unfortunately didn’t keep up with her throughout the years so when she started working with me at Madonna a few months ago she always made a point in stopping at my room before we began work to say hi with a pleasant smile. It will be hard to see that room empty knowing she won’t be back. I wish her happiness and peace in Heaven.

– Ryana
October 3, 2025

Sad and shocked by this but remember her bright spirit and healing ways! Our 20s spent living loudly and connecting on many levels… big hugs to all.

– Miranda Ducey
October 3, 2025

My deepest condolences to you. When I was in middle school and friends with Joelle, I remember looking up to Rebecca – as a fierce, funny, warm and totally unique and expressive person. Wishing you and her peace in this next phase.

– margaret milligan
October 2, 2025

There are many from childhood. We met in either kindergarten or first grade. I can’t find the pictures. She came to my elementary tea parties. Always kind. Always a light. We reconnected as young women at a time when I needed her. She was a real friend. A soul sister. I’m sick that it’s been so long since we have spoken. She was exceptionally beautiful inside and out. Strong and courageous. The best kind of human. Wishing her a fantastic journey and those closest to her peace and comfort in their grief. Fly high butterfly. I’ll find you on the other side.

– Ebony Leary
October 2, 2025

Becca was one of a kind, a skilled and brilliant therapist whose skills and dedication brought her healing light to everyone she knew. I am stunned by her death, and think now of her family, and especially her children, as they work through this. Her professionalism and intuitive touch provided not just relief, but genuine healing to countless clients. May her memory bring comfort and peace.

– Wheeler Winston Dixon
October 1, 2025

I am so shocked and saddened by this news. My heart goes out to Becca’s family. Becca was so incredibly gifted and talented. She was a born Healer and such a kind, brave, strong beautiful person. She was one of a kind. My heart goes out to her beloved family, especially her children and her partner, and also to the wonderful healing staff at Bella and Madonna. May Becca rest in Peace and Love. ❤️

– Gwendolyn Foster

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