Louis Thelen

Louis E. Thelen, age 80, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend died peacefully at his son's home surrounded by his family on Saturday, July 18, 2009. His love for God and his Catholic faith were an inspiration to all who knew him. He was a devoted husband to Monica Simon whom he married on June 28, 1950. She preceded him in death on November 5, 2003 after 53 years of marriage.

Born on December 11, 1928, he was the son of Edward and Clotilda (Miller) Thelen. He was a lifelong resident of Fowler, MI, and a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Parish. He enjoyed a career as a meat manager at St. Johns Kroger for 37 A½ years serving his many friends and customers. Spending time and sharing in the lives of his family were his two greatest loves.

Survived by his children, Ann (Dennis) Schneider of Portland, Steve (Sandy) Thelen of Perrinton, Pat (Julie) Thelen of Maple Rapids, Kay (Mike) Roberts of Fowlerville, Phyllis (James) Selleck of E. Lansing, Lou Ellen (Andy) Kinloch of Grand Ledge and Amy (Tom) Graham of Ho-Ho-Kus, NJ, 18 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren who were the light of his life. Louis is also survived by sisters, Evelyn (Eugene) Thelen and Ermaline Fedewa, brothers, Eugene (Margie) Thelen, Clem (Josephine) Thelen, Ken (Char) Thelen and several dear sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are brothers Melvin and Leonard Thelen and sisters, Marina Feldpausch, Julie Feldpausch and Delores Kentfield.

The family wishes to express a sincere thank-you to the staff at Country Living AFC in Portland for their love and care of Dad and a special thank-you to Sparrow Home Hospice.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at Most Holy Trinity Church in Fowler, with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard officiating, burial at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7 pm to 9 pm and Monday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm with rosaries being prayed at 8 pm Sunday evening and 3 pm and 8 pm Monday at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes, 11112 W. Ionia, Fowler, MI. Contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation in memory of Louis.

His Master said to him, "Well done, good and faithful servant; because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will set thee over many; enter into the joy of thy Master." Matthew 25:23.