Ronald Thelen

Ronald Anthony Thelen age 68 of Pewamo, MI, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017 in Ionia, MI.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church 126 East Street Pewamo, MI on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 10:30 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Don Weber officiating.  Burial will take place at St. Joseph Cemetery, Pewamo, MI.  Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 from 3-7 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel 11112 W. Ionia Street, Fowler, MI.  A Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Ronald was born in St. Johns, Michigan on August 19, 1948, the son of Joseph and Rose (Hufnagel) Thelen.  Ron resided most of his life in Pewamo and was a graduate of Pewamo-Westphalia High School.

Ron had a true love for everyone in his family, especially his grandchildren.  Ron was a lifelong farmer. He retired from the Ionia County Commission on Aging, even after retirement he continued to be a provider of respite care.  Ron enjoyed hunting, fishing, garage sales and visits to Lake Michigan.  He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, MI.

He is survived by 3 sons: Chad (Kendra) Thelen of St. Johns, MI; Jason Thelen of DeWitt, MI; Nicholas (Elizabeth) Thelen of Pewamo, MI; daughter Kristi Pline of Westphalia, MI; their mother Karen Simon Thelen of St. Johns, MI; 6 grandchildren: Aubrey, Jennah and Cole Pline, Hunter, Haidyn and Harper Thelen and another granddaughter due in March; and sister Therese Winslow of Belmont, MI.  Ron was preceded in death by his parents, son Jeremy Paul Thelen, son-in-law Jeffrey Pline and brother-in-law James Winslow.

Memorials may be made to St. Joseph Parish. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.