Joyce Helen Thelen

Joyce Helen Thelen, age 89, of Westphalia, passed away on Tuesday, September 2, 2025, peacefully surrounded by her family she so deeply loved. She was born on May 18, 1936, in Westphalia the daughter of Raymond and Eleanor (Hufnagel) Bedenbender.

Joyce spent her early years building a home and raising her seven children with her husband, Delbert H. Thelen, who preceded her in death on January 31, 2025. They were married on June 9, 1956 and enjoyed more than 68 years together. In the early years she enjoyed bowling, playing Tripoly with her friends, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and gardening. Nothing brought her greater joy than raising her children and later watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren grow. She never missed a chance to spend time with her family and found her greatest joy in supporting them through life's milestones. Faith guided her every step. She was an active member of St. Mary's Parish in Westphalia and a member of the Christian Mothers' & Women's Guild.

Joyce and her husband, Delbert, co-owned and operated the Westphalia Milling Company since 1958. She loved working there and enjoyed helping and visiting with her coworkers and local farmers for many years.

In later years, Joyce enjoyed playing in numerous card groups, attending her beloved cousin slumber parties, and continuing her role as a family matriarch. Known as a wonderful cook and baker, her homemade meals and cookies brought her family together time and time again. She also loved attending her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's sporting events over the years and cheering them on. She was an avid Detroit Tigers fan and rarely missed watching a game.

Survivors include her children, Tami (Bob) Feldpausch, Randy (Darci) Thelen, Julie (Gary) Rudolph, Chris (Linda) Thelen, Tim (Janice) Thelen, Shawn (Jackie) Thelen and Ted (Christi) Thelen; grandchildren, Derik (Anne), Nathan (Emily) and Troy (Lauren) Feldpausch, Kelsey (John) Droste, Amanda (Kyle) Bennett, Alex (Ayesha) Thelen and Angela (Kevin) Serdahely; great grandchildren, Ben, Amelia, Josh, Evan, Andy, Nick, Lane, Bryce, Leah Joyce, Rory, Wren, Edie, Isobel, Eliza, Sophie, Aydin, and Zayn; brother, Perry Bedenbender and his children, Dennis, Mark and their families, step-grandchildren, Matt (Angela), Chris (Jenny), and Cam (Ashley) Rudolph, Emilee (Brandon) Erickson, Brittney and Brandi Schacher; step-great grandchildren, Luke, Jack, Hudson, Hannah, Mason, Henry, Katelynne, and Ivy; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Thelen and Karen Thelen; brother-in-law, Dennis (Margie) Thelen; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Joyce was preceded in death by her much loved husband; parents; and in-laws, Richard Thelen, Donald (Therese) Thelen, Edward "Skip" Thelen, Bernadette Thelen, and Bernadine Thelen.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30, Saturday, September 6, 2025, at St. Mary's Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.