Michael W. "Mike" Thelen

Obituary
Loving Husband, Dad and Grandpa passed away on June 27, 2023 at the age of 80. He was born on September 27, 1942 in Westphalia to Sylvester and Irene (Wieber) Thelen. Mike was a member of the last graduating class of St. Mary's High School in Westphalia in 1961 and served in the National Guard for 3 years. On June 10, 1967 he married Patricia Plunkett in Grand Ledge and together they raised 4 children on a farm outside of Westphalia, where he harvested wheat, soy beans, and corn. He worked for General Motors for 34 years before retiring in 1997. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, as well as a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, where he served as Chief Ranger. Mike also helped the American Red Cross through blood and platelet donations, where he donated a total of 76 gallons between the two. He was an avid sports fan, especially cheering on the Detroit Lions, Detroit Tigers, University of Michigan Wolverines, and Pewamo-Westphalia Pirates. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, gardening, hunting, playing softball, annual trips with the family to Sault Ste. Marie and hanging out at the grill. He also enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife Pat; children Mark (Anne) of Freedom, WI, Tom of Lansing, Vicki (Erik) Buckley of Westphalia and Jim (Trish) of Grand Ledge; grandchildren Mitchell, Brandt and Nathan Buckley and Ryan, Beth and Jamie Thelen; siblings Elaine Fox, Charles (Sue), Steve (Mary Lou), Alan (Mary) and Luke Thelen. He is also survived by in-laws Marilyn (Ken) Sohn, Gerald Gunn, Rosie Plunkett, Shirley (Stan) Smith, Dale (Marion) Plunkett, Alden "Bud" Thelen and Lynda Plunkett; and stepfamily Jack (Nancy) Bedenbender, Patricia (Francis) Leik, Jan Maxwell, Betty (Joe) Peters, Gary Schrauben, Susan Arendsen, Debbie Bedenbender and Sheila (Steve) Kemp.
Preceding him in death were his parents, stepmother Esther, brother-in-law Gerald Fox, in laws Don (Jane) Plunkett, Pete Plunkett, Carrie Gunn, Ray Plunkett, Phil (Irene) Plunkett, Gordon (Bonnie) Plunkett and Eileen "Eine" Thelen and stepfamily Nancy Schrauben and Jon Arendsen.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Eric Weber on Friday, June 30th at 12:00pm at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Rite of committal will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-8 pm on Thursday, June 29th at the St. Mary Funeral Chapel. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30pm before the visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church or the American Red Cross in memory of Mike Thelen.
The family would like to thank the Sparrow Hospice unit, in particular Kristina and Megan, as well as Jo Phelps. Their assistance made it easier to deal with Dad's declining health. Arrangements are with Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.
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