Geneva Thelen

Geneva Thelen was a woman full of life and enjoyed her every breath. Through work and play, hardship and illness, she never lost sight of the things in life that truly mattered. She considered her family to be her greatest gift and blessing in life, and enjoyed every moment she spent in their company. With her kind and generous heart coupled with her vivacious spirit, Geneva brought light and life to all those within her reach.

In the tumultuous early years of the twentieth century, William and Odelia (Simon) Fedewa had their hands full on their farm in Westphalia, Michigan as they worked hard to provide their children with a safe, loving home. Soon after the United States became actively involved in World War I, Bill and Odelia learned they were expecting another child. The fourth of five children, Geneva was born on May 6, 1918. The farm provided the Fedewa children with many fond childhood memories. Geneva was a bubbly, outgoing young girl, who loved to dance and play cards and dolls with her siblings. Sadly, though, she lost her mother when she was 16, and had to take on a more responsible role around the house, including helping to raise her little sister, Frances.

Because of her fun loving nature, Geneva made friends easily and always managed to have fun in whatever she was doing. Although a good student, Geneva enjoyed school more for the socialization than the work. In search of fun, Geneva could usually be found dancing at the Electric Park in Westphalia, and it was here that she met the love of her life, Gregory Thelen. Like Geneva, Greg was playful, high spirited and a big flirt, however, Geneva made such an unforgettable first impression with him that he even remembered what she was wearing – a blue coat. As fate would have it, the two didn’t start dating until the next year, and were happily married on August 19, 1939.

After saying “I do,” the newlyweds bought Greg’s parents’ farm, where they raised pigs, cattle, and chickens, and grew corn, soybeans, wheat and baled hay. If that didn’t keep them busy enough, Geneva and Greg soon filled their hearts and home with the joy and busyness of six children: Joseph (who died at birth), Nancy, Diane, Teresa, Linda and Robert. By example, Geneva taught her children the value of hard work and being independent, though they also loved her fun-loving side that made every day interesting. She would tell it like it was and was often heard saying, “You don’t know shit from shinola” or “Burnt toast will give you rosy cheeks.” Geneva spoke fluent German, though she never taught her children to speak it.

Aside from her family, church was also an important part of Geneva’s life. She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo as well as the Ladies Altar Society. Traditionally, after church, Geneva enjoyed going out to breakfast with her family and friends. In later years, when their children were all grown and moved away, Geneva and Greg bought a camper and traveled all over the country to visit them. A very sociable couple, they enjoyed getting together with their neighbors for a cold beer and a card game. Sadly, Geneva lost her beloved husband Greg after a long illness on August 10, 2001, after 61 years of marriage. She found comfort in staying busy in the things she loved, like playing cards, going out to eat and visiting her children and grandchildren. A few years later, Geneva’s health began to decline, and in the end, she needed constant care until her passing on Monday, August 29, 2011, at the age of 93.

Geneva Thelen was a loving woman who brightened and enriched the lives of her loved ones every day. She will be dearly missed.

Geneva is survived by four daughters: Nancy Richardson, Diane Thelen, Teresa (Mike) McClaran, all of Colorado and Linda (Dan) Smith of Dewitt; one son, Robert (Ruth) Thelen of St. Johns; twelve grandchildren, ten great grandchildren; and one sister, Frances (Roy) Frechen of Fowler. Preceding her in death was her husband, Gregory, her grandson, Scott Richardson, brother, Celester Fedewa, sisters, Rosella Theis and Eleanor Freund.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Pewamo, burial to follow at St. Joseph Cemetery with Rev. Fr. Charlon Mason presiding. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, August 31, at St. Mary’s Chapel, Westphalia with a Rosary being prayed at 8 p.m.