Jeff Thelen
Anchor
Wausau, WI
Jeff Thelen is the most veteran member of the NewsChannel 7 team. The Campbellsport native started here as a part-time reporter in 1994 while working as news director at WDUX Radio in Waupaca.
In 1996, he worked at WFRV TV in Green Bay as a videographer and reporter, but was only there a few months before coming back to NewsChannel 7 as morning show anchor.
Along with the morning show, Jeff has worked pretty much every shift in the newsroom.
He anchors NewsChannel 7 at Noon, 4pm, 5pm and 6pm shows.
Jeff also heads the station's annual "Share Your Holidays" food drive to help the Salvation Army, Neighbor's Place and other food pantries. In its 20 years, NewsChannel 7 viewers donated more than $1.3 million and tons of nonperishable food to SYH.
Jeff has received awards for his work from the Midwest Broadcast Journalist Association, Military Reporters and Editors Association, the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, the Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin Associated Press. He's also been nominated for three Emmy awards in the Chicago Region of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences.
He lives in Kronenwetter with his husband Pat and their two dogs, Nala and Bodie.
He's self proclaimed couch potato, a Badger football season ticket holder and Packers, Bucks and Brewers fan.
Jeff loves traveling and spending time with his family, friends and Nala and Bodie.
He’s also an amateur landscaper who will find any excuse he can to work on his yard.
