Charles Delbert "Chuck" Thelen

     Charles Delbert "Chuck" Thelen, age 77, of Fowler, MI, passed away with his children by his side Wednesday, December 25, 2024, at University of Michigan Health-Sparrow Clinton, St. Johns.
     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Monday, December 30, 2024, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock presiding. Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – George Chapel, Fowler, MI, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. on Sunday, December 29, 2024, with a Rosary being prayed at 7:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
     Charles was born in St. Johns, Michigan on December 20, 1947, the son of Alvin Robert and Loretta Marie (Smith) Thelen. He graduated from Fowler High School with the Class of 1966. He proudly served his country from 1967 to 1969 in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was awarded 2 bronze stars and received 2 purple hearts for his service. Chuck was a proud member of the Fowler VFW Post #3733 and had served as Post Commander.
     Chuck had a quick wit and was very creative in his use of vocabulary. He worked as a mason his entire life. He enjoyed playing cards, watching Fowler Football, and time spent at deer camp. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church and the Fowler Conservation Club. Most of all he loved his family, especially his grandchildren.
     He is survived by his daughter Tricia (Scott) Goerge of Fowler, MI; his son Tom (Kara) Thelen of Fowler, MI; seven grandchildren: Cole, Zach, Taylor, Chase, Kaileigh, Caden, and Charlie; four brothers: Alan Thelen, Leon Thelen, Dale (Barb) Thelen, and Dan Thelen; three sisters: Mary Ann (Mike) Schneider, Linda Hoppes, and Sharon Droste; one sister-in-law Barb Thelen, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Ken, sisters-in-law: Sandy Thelen and Grace Thelen, and brother-in-law Bob Hoppes.
     Memorials may be made to the Fowler VFW Post #3733 or Fowler Conservation Club. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.