Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1937
DIED
2020
Ronald Thelen Obituary
Westphalia - Ronald Joseph Thelen, age 82 of Westphalia passed away on Saturday, July 11, 2020. He was born on August 26, 1937, the son of Henry and Rita Thelen. Ron was a devoted member of St. Mary's Catholic Church. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2890 since 1956 and the 4th Degree Fr. Godez Assembly since 1990. He retired from John Deere as the Parts Manager after 28 years of service. Ron also was a Knights of Columbus Insurance Agent for 16 years where he achieved the Supreme Knights Club status for 14 consecutive years. Ron served as a member of the National Guard and the Jaycees. He was involved in many Parish events, the band boosters, setting up the Fr. Al Miller Trust Fund and the K of C Mother's Day chicken barbecues. He enjoyed hunting, fishing at Coldwater Lake, going to the casino, golfing, bowling, and spending time with his grandchildren. Ron was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Patricia (Babbit) Thelen; infant daughter, Debra Thelen; and several in-laws. On July 6, 1963 he married Annette Schneider, together they shared 57 wonderful years of marriage and she survives him. Also surviving are his children, Dave (Kim) Thelen, Brenda (Dave) Higgins, Terry (Jane) Thelen, Dan (Julie) Thelen, and Pat (Beverly) Thelen; grandchildren, Curtis and Rachel Parrish, Megan (Joe) Smith, Jenna, Kelly, Rachel and Lauren Thelen, Jared and Claudia Thelen; great-grandchild, Christopher Smith; grand-dog, Lou; siblings, Geri Snitgen, Helen (Harry) Peacock, Alden "Bud" (Eileen) Thelen, Matt (Pam) Thelen, Vernon (Tammy) Thelen, Mary (Dan) Arens, Jim (Lynn) Thelen; several in-laws; and many nieces and nephews. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m., Friday, July 17, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive friends 4-8 p.m., Thursday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St. The rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Sr. Myra Scholarship Fund in memory of Ron. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.
In lieu of thank you responses, a donation will be made to the Sr. Myra Scholarship Fund.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Thelen
3 Entries
Bruce Prieur
November 24, 2020
Ron was and is a good guy. A person that I would have loved to have as a brother or a father. I know that he would have made me a better man
Michael Thelen
July 14, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family.
Ron was a huge influence on me and I thank him for his time spent with me and wisdom.
May he rest in peace!
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Make a Donation
in Ronald Thelen's name
Memorial Events
for Ronald Thelen
How to support Ronald's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ronald Thelen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
