Frances R. (Simon) Thelen

     Frances R. Thelen, age 91, of Fowler, MI, passed away Saturday, August 13, 2022 at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, MI.

     A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber presiding. Visitation will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes – Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI, on Friday, August 19, 2022, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. with a Rosary being prayed at 7:30 P.M. at the funeral home.  Burial will take place at a later date at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia, MI.

     Frances was born in Fowler, Michigan on February 24, 1931, the daughter of Arthur and Cora (Cook) Simon. On April 4, 1951, Frances married Joseph V. Thelen at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. They were blessed with nearly 55 years of marriage prior to his passing on March 29, 2006.

     She lived all of her life in the Fowler and Westphalia area. She was a homemaker and a bookkeeper for her son Mark at Mark's Auto Service for 15 years, retiring in 1997.  Frances was a member of the Christian Mothers and Catholic Order of Foresters. She loved playing cards with her family, friends and grandchildren. She was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

     She is survived by three sons: Mike (Marie) Thelen of Franklin, TN; Marty (Pam Shaw) Thelen of Westphalia, MI; and Mark (Cathy) Thelen of Eagle, MI. She is also survived by nine grandchildren: Brendan Thelen, Brigid (Jarod) Nealey, Joseph (Chelsea) Thelen, Joel Thelen, Zachary Thelen, Emily Thelen, Abigail Thelen, Amy (Ryan) Akin and Dawn (Joshua) McFarland; ten great-grandchildren: Nash, Tyler, Gage, Ethan, Michael, Maci, Millie, Avery, Adelynn, and Ariya; three sisters-in-law: Regina Simon, Joan Simon, and Eileen Thelen; and many loving nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph V. Thelen, son Ken (Ann) Thelen, daughter-in-law Deanne Thelen, one sister Dorothy Motz (Larry Motz and Marion Bradley), four brothers: Clarence (Gen) Simon, Ronnie (Josie) Simon, Leon Simon, Eddie Simon, Bernard (Delores) Simon, and Philip Simon; and brother-in-law Bernard Schueller.

     Memorials may be made to Clinton County Meals on Wheels or Fowler Fire and Rescue & First Responders. In lieu of thank you cards, the family will make a donation to Clinton County Meals on Wheels. Online condolences may be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.