Evelyn Thelen

With everlasting devotion, Evelyn Thelen was a wonderful example of what it means to be the essence of a devoted wife, dedicated mother and loving grandmother. She embodied a heart of compassion with an unfailing sense of duty to those entrusted to her care. Her character was that of a hard working woman whose diligent efforts in life were honorable and selfless, always placing the needs of others before her own. Gone but never to be forgotten, she will be deeply missed.

Evelyn's story began in the village of Westphalia, Michigan, a small farming community whose residents were primarily those of German descent. A time of great change, America blossomed in the Roaring Twenties with social reform marked by many firsts. Women won the right to vote, and medical milestones like insulin for diabetics and a vaccine for the whooping cough brought welcome relief. With manufacturing at an all time high, the establishment of the eight hour workday thrived in the growing economy. Amidst these innovated times, nothing made the lives of Edward and Clotilda (Miller) Thelen happier than the blessed birth of their daughter, Evelyn, born on June 23, 1923.

Born into a family with strong German roots, Evelyn was the fifth of eventually eleven children. Her father was a hard working dairy farmer where her family made their home in their quiet community. With a big sweet tooth, her family always prepared a cake each week which she and her siblings often looked forward to. Devout in their Catholic faith, young Evie came from a faith filled home. Her family was very musically inclined, and Evie even learned to play any song by ear. German was the spoken language in her home, so Evie didn't learn English until she began school. She loved reading, and during her school years she came to acquire the most beautiful penmanship. Times as they were with the Great Depression, Evie left school after the 8th grade which was typical for the times.

After leaving school, Evie moved in with the family of a local doctor in town. Dr. Russell employed her as a nanny for his children, and for seven dollars a week, she also cooked and cleaned. She was a dutiful young woman who even then placed the needs of others before her own, and never once complained. Life as she knew it was about to change, however, when she met the man with whom she would spend the remaining 67 years of hr life with.

While attending an area dance, Evie was coming down a staircase when Eugene Thelen spotted the young woman he had had his eye on at church for a long time, and now he finally had the chance to meet her. He invited her to a party, and after their courtship, they were married at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church during an eight o'clock Catholic student Mass in 1944. She was 19, and Eugene was 22. Having lived and worked on his family farm in Fowler, Eugene purchased a farm across the road shortly after proposing to his young bride. The day following their wedding, his parents came by with all the tools they needed to plant their garden. His father graciously gave them a few head of various livestock as a wedding gift to get their place started, and it was six months before their home was equipped with electricity.

Along with the addition of children in their lives, Evie managed their household and pitched in when it came to working the farm and learned to drive all the tractors. As successful dairy farmers, Eugene worked the fields while Evelyn mainly kept their six children well-fed, safe and healthy. Even until recently, she continued to mow their yard. She loved her chickens, and every summer her family canned and froze the produce from their huge garden to enjoy all year through. Evie made a good home for Eugene and the children. She loved having company, and all were welcome with her caring heart. They loved playing cards, and Evie was a joy with her quick wit and sharp mind. She also found time to relax, enjoying embroidering and making quilts for church.

Never one to complain, Evie didn't care to be in the spotlight and focused on the lives and needs of others with a gracious heart. She was a wonderful cook, especially known for her special pancakes and cookies. Her cookies were a favorite of all and she shared them with everyone. It was hard to get the ingredients down on paper, though, because she was constantly experimenting with the recipe. In all ways, Evie bestowed unfailing kindness and patience to those around her. Evie never sat down to eat until she was sure everyone else had eaten their full. She taught her children that everything in life is earned, unless when offered something, it is only right to politely accept it. A fine example of a hard working mother who was dearly devoted to the husband she loved and the family for which she was dearly dedicated, they learned how important the commitment of marriage is straight from their parents.

Evie was the epitome of a virtuous wife who held the greatest respect for her husband. Their faith was a priority and they prayed the Rosary each night. She colored her hair simply because Eugene liked her to, and in all ways, their love was based on admiration and much devotion, like the way she always left him the extra piece of pie. Over the years they loved square dancing, and watching Lawrence Welk on TV was a mainstay. For 25 years they traveled to Florida each winter and when they stopped, the park where they made many friends was never the same. Family, faith and serving others remained a cornerstone in Evie's heart until the very end. She reveled spending time with her grandchildren, and just glowed when she tenderly held them in her arms. One of her greatest joys was riding her bicycle and taking little walks around the farm hand-in-hand with her grandkids.

Having come from a family with few displays of affection, it wasn't until Evie had children of her own that she learned how to be truly forthcoming with her emotions. Her daughter taught her how to hug, and from then on everyone got a hug before leaving her side. In the last few years of her life, she began sharing how proud she was of her children, which made their hearts glad. She taught her family well, and her character is a lasting legacy to be remembered. She will be greatly missed, especially by the many grandchildren who stopped in often for Grandma’s homemade pancakes and cookies.

Evie went to be with the Lord Thursday, December 1, 2011 at the age of 88 after a brief battle with cancer. She is survived by the love of her life, her loving husband of 67 years, Eugene; sons: Gordon (Ruth) Thelen, Jerry (Linda) Thelen, Michael (Denise) Thelen, Brian (Rose) Thelen; daughters: Alice (Kermit) Wheeler, Joanie (Bob) Nelson; 22 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brothers: Eugene (Margie) Thelen, Ken (Char) Thelen; sister: Ermaline Fedewa; brother-in-law, Roman Feldpauch; sister-in-law, Josephine Thelen; many nieces and nephews. Evelyn was preceded in death by her infant grandson, John Thelen; brothers: Melvin, Leonard, Clem and Louis Thelen; sisters: Marina Feldpausch, Julie Feldpausch, Delores Kentfield. Special thanks to Sparrow Home Hospice for their gentle and compassionate care. Evie asked us all to remember that the Lord is our Shepherd, and that we need nothing beyond His love and mercy.

The Funeral Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM, Monday, December 5, 2011 at the Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial will follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 PM Saturday and Sunday at the George Chapel in Fowler. To learn more about Evie and view her Life Story Film, please visit her personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/75896. The family is being served by The Osgood Funeral Homes and they may be reached at Thelen48835@gmail.com.