Anthony "Ted" Thelen

A jack-of-all-trades and a man of many interests, Ted Thelen was a hard working individual. Firm yet loving, he devoted his life to the family entrusted to his care. Ted was dedicated in everything he did, and with ways all his own, his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Nestled in the close knit, rural community of Fowler, Michigan, Ted's story began in the year 1931 as difficult days of the Great Depression created a jobless rate of nearly four million. Yet even as unemployment skyrocketed, many remained hopeful and looked toward the future. People across the nation were in awe as New York City opened the Empire State Building, and celebrated as the Star-Spangled banner became the national anthem. For Andrew and Leona (Arens) Thelen, the days were made brighter when they welcomed the birth of their son, Anthony on December 30, 1931.

Anthony was affectionately known as "Ted" and grew up in a close family devout to their Catholic faith. From a young age he and his five siblings worked on area farms and quickly learned early on the value of hard work. As a family they moved often, but there was never a lack of work to be done, and his chores were plenty. Although he was a quiet and reserved young boy, Ted experienced memorable boyhood adventures in rural Fowler.

Ted was a good student and paid close attention to his studies while attending Most Holy Trinity Catholic School. With his sights set on the priesthood, Ted went on to further his education at St. Joseph Seminary. After four years of schooling there, he felt led in a different direction and left his schooling behind. From 1952 to 1954, Ted honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon his discharge from the service, he landed a position working at General Motors where he remained for the next 32 years as a pipefitter.

Before long, Ted met and married a young woman named Anne Grodiak. They shared vows of marriage in 1960 and set out to fulfill their hopes and dreams together. Farming was in Ted's blood, and that very same year he bought his own farm and worked the land along with his job at GM. Blessed with two sons, Matthew and David added much to their lives. Ted provided well for his family and was a devoted husband and father who deeply loved his family. Sadly, Ted and his sons faced the untimely death of his wife, Anne when she passed away from cancer in 1976.

Following Anne's death, Ted did all he could do to keep his family together. He continued to work hard despite this trying time, but the love and support from family and friends saw him through. Although he tended to be somewhat quiet and a bit reserved, Ted soon began dating Helen Schafer Goerge months later. A match made in heaven, they complemented one another and shared many of the same interests. On October 29, 1977, Ted and Helen were happily married in Fowler, Michigan.

Along with his own two sons, Ted lovingly took on Helen's four boys from her first marriage as his own. Life in the Thelen home proved to be a bustling household with six boys in tow, but coming from a large family himself, Ted seemed to take it all in stride. Always the hard worker, as long as the family he loved was safe, secure, and content, Ted was happy. He was a loving father, yet was strict when it mattered most. Ted was a wonderful example for his children to live by which served them well. He also passed his strong work ethic on to his children for which he was proud.

Ted and his family were faithful members of his longtime parish, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler where Ted was a member of the Knights of Columbus. After retiring from GM and then farming in 1996, he took on many enjoyable projects and loved tinkering around the house. Ted was talented with just about anything he set his mind to. He kept himself busy and enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and traveling. In fact, Ted had traveled to every state with the exception of Alaska.

An avid reader, Ted was an intelligent man. He was quite knowledgeable with a variety of subjects and especially enjoyed sharing his knowledge with his grandchildren and anyone, for that matter. His grandchildren were his delight in life. Besides the family he loved so dearly, Ted by far found much pride and a sense of achievement while working his land over the years. Never asking for much or needing much, Ted enjoyed short country drives and the company of those he loved by his side more than anything.

In 1997, Ted suffered a stroke and in 2010 he was involved in serious auto accident. He wasn't expected to live either time, but it simply wasn't Ted's time to go quite yet. For several more years, he was blessed with the love of family by his side until at the age of 81, Anthony "Ted" Thelen of Fowler, Michigan died peacefully in his sleep at home with his beloved Helen on Wednesday, December 18, 2013.

Ted is survived by his wife, Helen; his children: Matthew Thelen of Clay, NY, David Thelen of Gilbert, AZ, Steven (Laurie) Goerge of Fowler, Mark (Tonya) Goerge of Maple Rapids, Brian (Mary Kay) Goerge of Fowler, and Luke (Tricia) Goerge of Westphalia; grandchildren: Samantha and Theodore Thelen, Megan, Alex, Ben, Trent, Katherine, Cecelia, and Robert Goerge; brothers, Alphonse (Marie) Thelen, and Herbert (Virginia) Thelen; sisters, Leonore Bengal and Marie Weber; many nieces, nephews, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Anne Grodiak Thelen; brother, Daniel Thelen; and granddaughter, Emily Goerge.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 AM Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 545 N. Maple, Fowler, with burial following at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 7 PM Thursday, December 19, 2013 and 2-4 and 6-8 PM with a Rosary at 3 PM and Scripture Service at 7 PM Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Goerge Chapel of the Osgood Funeral Home, 11112 W. Ionia St., Fowler, MI. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Most Holy Trinity Education Trust Fund, 545 N. Maple, Fowler, MI 48835.

To learn more about Ted and view his Life Story film, please visit his personal webpage at www.lifestorynet.com/memories/96191. The family is being served by the Osgood Funeral Homes.