Gerald Thelen

Devoted to faith, family, and hard work, Gerald V. Thelen served his life as a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy rich in family history, on land that he treasured, where he put forth much labor and love as a faithful provider. A man of faith first and foremost, Gerald held close to his beliefs where he found contentment in his abiding faith. His memory will be held close in the hearts of those he loved, and fondly remembered.

Gerald’s story began in the midst of winter as families everywhere were preparing for the Christmas holiday. The end of World War I had brought much change to America, and it was a time of economic prosperity for many. In the quiet village of Fowler, Michigan, Arnold and Irma (Bauer) Thelen were not only preparing to celebrate the advent of Christ’s birth, but were also experiencing changes of their own when on December 23, 1920, they welcomed the birth of their son, Gerald.

One of four children, Gerald, grew up on the family dairy farm. Along with his studies, life on the farm offered much adventure for a young boy, but it also meant chores and responsibilities. Gerald learned how to milk cows as a young boy, and life growing up on the dairy farm agreed with him. Working alongside his father, He learned early on the hard work and effort it took in running a successful farm, developing a strong work ethic. Over time, he acquired a heartfelt passion and appreciation for a life of farming that would continue his whole life through.

Gerald's father was a hard and disciplined worker, and didn’t quite believe in education. Like most youth during this time, Gerald left school after the 8th grade to devote more time learning the essentials of farming. The rural community of Fowler had a close knit, hometown atmosphere where everyone cared about one another. Even when heavy rains flooded the fields, or nature’s fury blasted ice storms, or ripped a tornado through the community, the local farmers and village pulled together. It was here that Gerald would continue to put forth his life efforts, and where his heart would remain.

When Gerald was in his early 20‘s, he met a young woman from Westphalia named Odelia while at a roller skating party located on the second floor of the opera house in Fowler. In her, Gerald found the love of his life. After dating for a time, the two fell in love. On June 7, 1944, they were united in marriage, moving into a house on Gerald’s family dairy farm. Always the steadfast and hard working man that he was, Gerald worked hard providing for his new bride. Eventually, they were blessed with a daughter and four sons, and over time, took in foster children as well. A strong marriage based on respect, Gerald and Odelia set a loving example for their children. They never uttered an unkind word, nor argued or discussed money matters in front of them.

Throughout his life, Gerald possessed a strong moral compass that kept him well grounded. Devout in his faith, Gerald and his family were faithful members of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church where they dedicated their time and efforts. Gerald loved the church, and wholeheartedly embraced the many progressive changes brought forth with Vatican II. He relied on his faith much in his life, praying daily, and giving thanks for the many blessings in his life. He treasured all that he had been blessed with.

Gerald found contentment working the farm, finding great joy in the land, and the pure wonder of God’s creation. Appreciating that the farm had produced hard work and dedication put forth by his family for many years, Gerald found pride in the fruits of his labor when it later became distinguished as a Centennial farm. Over the years, Gerald always thought of ways to do things better. His adventuresome spirit and love for ideas quite often found him inventing things to make something run more efficiently, or work more productively. Physically speaking, Gerald was thankful for his health, and became quite health conscious. He was diligent in taking his vitamins and became quite knowledgeable about them.

Contentment in life brought Gerald much happiness. Always a happy man, he had a wonderful sense of humor, and could tell a great joke. Although he always took the conservative side of things, Gerald loved to talk politics. Gerald also served as a past Grand Knight with the Knights of Columbus, a member of the 4th Degree, and was a proud member of the Farm Bureau. With a lifelong love for flying, and eventually took flying lessons. Once he obtained his pilot’s license, he bought his own plane, and the pasture on the farm provided for a great place where he could take off and land. Over the years, Gerald and Odelia had the opportunity to travel where many memorable times were spent enjoying each other’s company. They traveled extensively, having visited Europe, South America, Australia and Alaska.

Sadly, after 64 year’s of marriage, Gerald's beloved Odelia passed away on April 12, 2008. Gerald continued to live on the farm that had been his home his whole life through, except for the last seven days of his life when Gerald suffered from some health issues. Just one year and two days after the death of his Odelia, Gerald died on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 at the age of 88.

He is survived by his daughter, Gerrie (John) Dixon; three sons, Bill (Laurie) Thelen, George (Linda Hart) Thelen, and Fr. Fred Thelen; daughter-in-law, Pat Thelen. His grandchildren, Jennifer Thelen, Alana Thelen, Paul Thelen, Gina Dixon and Amber Dixon; many foster children over the years, including foster daughter, Kathy Miller and her family; his sisters, Verena (Dahl) Deboer, Ambra (Richard) Hansen and brother, Clair (Margaret) Thelen. In addition to his wife and parents, Gerald was preceded in death by his son, Lester Thelen. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 17, 2009 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Fred Thelen, Fr. Dennis Howard, Fr. Sylvester Fedewa and Fr. Matthew Fedewa officiating. Burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Wednesday and on Thursday, 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the George Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home with the Rosary being prayed at 8:00 PM on Wednesday, and 3:00 PM on Thursday. A Vigil Service will take place at 8:00 PM on Thursday. Please visit www.osgoodfuneralhome.com/memories/47260/ where you can leave a favorite memory, submit a photo, or sign Gerald’s online guest book.