Viola Thelen

Viola Thelen was a delightful woman whose life mission was to bring joy and laughter to as many others as she could. She was a firm believer in doing things right the first time and in always looking her best, Viola loved traveling the world, yet her happiest times were spent wherever her family was gathered. She had such a way of making everyone feel uniquely special whether it was with a card on their special day or with the laughter Viola loved to share. Faith played an important role in Viola’s life, and it was easy to see that it was her faith that guided her along the journey of her life. She leaves behind lessons in compassion, generosity, and grace that will continue on in the hearts and lives of those she leaves behind.

The “Roaring Twenties” were a time in which America was enjoying the prosperity that was largely due to emerging innovation on many fronts. The year 1926 was certainly part of this exciting time as it was the year in which the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) was organized as the first nationwide radio broadcasting network, the first successful flight was made over the North Pole, and antifreeze allowed people to begin using their cars year-round. This was also a year for celebration in the family of John and Theresa (Goerge) Thelen as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Viola, on May 10th. Viola was born on a farm in Bengal Township, Michigan, as the fifth of six children in her family including two brothers and three sisters.

Viola’s father supported his family as a farmer and during this time, farming was often a family affair. This was certainly the reality in the Thelen family as Viola was responsible for tending to many farm chores, especially while her father was out contract threshing and harvesting. On one occasion, she went out to get the cows and ended up frantically climbing up on a rock pile in order to escape a mad bull! As the prosperity of the twenties gave way to the hardship of the thirties because of the Great Depression, the agricultural industry was one of the hardest hit. The Thelen family weathered the storm together through hard work and perseverance. During a time in which much of America’s youth was unable to receive a formal education, Viola attended the local country school.

Along with her two sisters, she began working for Fisher Body, an automobile coachbuilder in Lansing. They were part of the many women who went to work in the factories in support of the war effort. This would actually be her employer throughout her entire career as she retired after 33 years on the line. Viola was also a member of UAW Local 602 in Lansing.

Although work was certainly a necessary part of life for Viola, there was much more to her life than just work. She loved to have fun and made the most of every opportunity she was given. Viola never married, but her family was always a significant part of her life. She loved celebrating birthdays and never missed marking the special day of a loved one with a card. Viola’s faith was a cornerstone in her life, and she was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She not only collected Holy Cards, but she always made sure to take extras at funeral visitations so that she could send them out to those who were unable to attend.

Throughout her life, there were a variety of activities that Viola enjoyed. She loved traveling with her sister, Rita. Viola’s destinations included Europe, Hawaii, Florida, and California. She also attended the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl held annually on January first. Viola loved to eat out, and her favorite restaurant was Red Lobster. She enjoyed savoring a good cup of coffee, but whenever she ordered a cup, Viola always got just a half a cup. She enjoyed watching the Lawrence Welk Show and thought any animated trinket was fun no matter what sounds they made.

There were so many things that made Viola such a special woman who was loved by so many. She had a wonderful sense of humor and delighted in making those around her share in her bountiful laughter. Viola was always punctual and did things right. She was compassionate and loving towards others as she never mistreated or spoke unkindly about anyone. It was important to Viola that she always looked her best so she had her hair done every week at the same place and time. Viola viewed her family as her most valuable treasure and in turn, she was cherished by her nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

In many ways, Viola Thelen touched the lives of countless others within her reach. She was warm and thoughtful, gentle and mild-mannered with a heart that loved to serve others. Viola worked hard throughout her life, yet she understood the value of enjoying the simple things life has to offer as well. Like a warm and crackling fire, Viola was a woman who naturally drew others to her. She was a woman of faith whose life was a true reflection of what it means to be the hands and feet of her Lord. Viola will be dearly missed and warmly remembered by many.

Viola M. Thelen died on January 1, 2010 in St. Johns, Michigan. Viola’s family includes her sister, Joyce (Alfred, Jr.) Halfmann of Fowler; sister-in-law, Rosemary Thelen of St. Johns; many nieces and nephews; as well as great-nieces and nephews. Viola was preceded in death by two sisters, Rita Thelen and Rosaline Luttig; two brothers, Urban Thelen and Alex Thelen; sister-in-law, Marie Thelen; and brother-in-law, Norman Luttig. Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2010 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, burial at Holy Trinity Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Eric Weber officiating. Family will receive friends 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Saturday evening and 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes in Fowler. Rosaries will be prayed at 8 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday with a scripture service at 8 p.m. Sunday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or photo, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church Education Trust Fund.