Genevieve Thelen

A true gift in the lives of many, Genevieve Thelen brightened the world around her with her vibrant colors each and every day. She was kind and tenderhearted, generous and compassionate, too. Genevieve thought nothing of setting her own needs aside in order to tend to the needs of others. In fact, she spent most of her life tenderly caring for others whether her siblings, her children, or her beloved husband during his time of greatest need. A woman of strong faith, Genevieve was a prayer warrior who regularly lifted her friends and loved ones up in prayer, and it was this same faith that covered her when the trying times came her way. The legacy Genevieve leaves behind is one of humility, graciousness, and quiet strength that will live on in the hearts and lives of those who follow her.

As WWI drew to a close in 1919, the twenties ushered America into a time of great prosperity and changes in nearly every aspect of our culture. Amidst this exciting time there was much to celebrate for one young couple from Pewamo, Michigan, since they were pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby girl on April 12, 1920. Genevieve was welcomed into the world by her parents, Jacob and Elizabeth (Smith) Harr, and was the oldest of five children including her two sisters and two brothers. Her family rented a farm on which they raised chickens, pigs, and cows, and they also grew corn, wheat, and oats. As the oldest child Genevieve was required to help out with the younger children or with the household chores. Though times were tight, they always had the basics. The Harr family was dealt a devastating blow with the death of Genevieve’s father after he suffered a ruptured appendix. Her mother then went to work in a local factory, which left Genevieve with even more responsibilities at home.

There were many lifelong attributes that Genevieve established during her formative years. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed playing with her siblings and cousins. Genevieve was outgoing and friendly, and she always worried about others before worrying about herself. She looked for inventive ways to earn money including giving finger permanents to the ladies in town. Since she wasn’t a licensed cosmetologist, Genevieve could only accept donations for her work but whatever she earned went to help support the family. At age 16, she began doing housework for others.

As a young woman Genevieve enjoyed going to Fowler. She frequented the Fowler Opera House. It was in Fowler at church that she met a young man named Jerome Thelen. Genevieve was dating two other young men at the time but since Genevieve’s sister Romilda thought Jerome was the nicest of the three, he was the keeper. They enjoyed going to dances and to the movies together, falling in love along the way. With a desire to become husband and wife, they moved up their wedding date so that Jerome could avoid being drafted. Genevieve became Mrs. Jerome Thelen early in 1941, and they settled onto the farm that Jerome had purchased in 1939. The newlyweds delayed their honeymoon until the summertime when they went to Niagara Falls.

Together Genevieve and Jerome were blessed with the births of eight sons and one daughter. Genevieve fully immersed herself into caring for her children and her home. She was always busy and never rested until the children were in bed. Her strong work ethic kept her going. Genevieve’s skills in the kitchen were top notch whether she was cooking or baking. There was always more than enough food to go around. As a parent Genevieve was the more excitable one while Jerome was the calm one so they balanced each other out completely. Genevieve was always protective of her children and together with Jerome, led their family in the Rosary every night.

Genevieve was a homebody. However Jerome did convince her to do some traveling later in life. When Jerome’s health began declining in the mid-eighties they preferred staying close to home. She was devastated when her only daughter was taken from her in a senseless, tragic act. As Jerome's health declined, Genevieve

tenderly cared for him until his death in 2005.

Although Genevieve didn’t have much down time, she enjoyed pursuing some of her interests when she was able. She was very interested in genealogy from an early age and was fascinated to hear who people were related to. Of course once grandchildren arrived, Genevieve kept busy doting over them and was very affectionate with them. She always kept gum in a certain drawer, plenty of snacks, and later was known as the Tic Tac Grandma to her great-grandchildren. Genevieve would always light up when her grandchildren were near. She was equally delighted to have visitors, and always enjoyed a good conversation. Additionally, she was a longtime member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler.

After the deaths of her husband and daughter, Genevieve’s health began to steadily decline. She moved into Hazel I. Findlay Manor in 2010 and drew her last breath a few months later - just one day after visiting with her family and telling them that she loved them one last time.

With so much love to give, Genevieve Thelen was truly beautiful on the inside and out. She treasured both her faith and her family above all else and was selfless in her every thought, word, and deed. Life was not without hardship for Genevieve but through both the joys and the sorrows, her faith was her constant companion. The memories she leaves behind will be cherished by the many friends and loved ones whose lives were greatly enriched for having known Genevieve.

Genevieve E. Thelen died on March 17, 2011. Genevieve’s family includes her eight sons, Paul (Ann) of Westphalia, James of Lansing, Luke (Jane) of Fowler, Larry (Ellen) of Denver, Colorado, Bill (Debbie) of Dallas, Texas, Philip of East Lansing, Stanley (Patti) of Oxford, Michigan, Dennis (Dianna) of Ft. Wayne, Indiana; 23 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; her sister, Mary Jane Thelen, and her brother Roy Harr. Genevieve was preceded in death by her husband, Jerome; daughter, Diane Urbanik; grandchildren, Anthony Urbanik, Jamie Thelen; great-grandson, Brandon Thelen; son-in- law, Tony Urbanik; sister, sister Romilda Harr; and brother, Donald Harr. Funeral Mass will be at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, March 22, 2011, at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, with burial at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. on Sunday 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. on Monday at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Homes, Fowler, with rosaries being prayed Sunday, at 8 p.m. and Monday, at 3 p.m. with a vigil service at 8 p.m. on Monday. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a memory or make a memorial contribution to Most Holy Trinity Educational Trust Fund, or memorial masses. The family was served by The Osgood Funeral Homes.