Gerald Leonard Thelen

  Gerald Leonard Thelen, age 79, of Fowler, MI, passed away Thursday, December 15, 2022, at Sparrow Hospital, Lansing, Michigan.

   Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan, at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 19, 2022, with Deacon Eric Elstro presiding.  Burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery, Fowler, MI, at a later date. Visitation will be held on Sunday, December 18, 2022, from 2-8 P.M. with the family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan. Rosary will be prayed at 7:00 P.M. Sunday at the funeral home.

     Gerald was born in Lansing, Michigan on February 4, 1943, the son of Roman J. and Helen (Schmidt) Thelen. He graduated from Lansing Sexton High School with the class of 1962.  On November 19, 1966, he married Carol Frechen in Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler. Carol passed away on December 1, 2020.

     Gerald served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the VFW Post# 3733 Fowler and participated in many military honor guard services.  He was a machine operator and had worked for Sealed Power Company/Dana Corporation in St. Johns, Michigan, retiring in 2005 after 38 years of service. He also hauled milk for C. George Milk Hauling and Simon Brothers Trucking for 41 years. He enjoyed golfing, bowling and collecting coins. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. He had sung in the church choir for many years and was a Eucharist minister in the church.

     He is survived by his children: Connie and Richard LaFontaine of Midland, MI; son James Thelen of Fowler, MI; daughter, Michelle and Terry Smith of Fowler, MI; grandchildren: Donald and Kendra Weishuhn of North Carolina; Joseph Smith and Kim English of St. Johns, MI; Katherine Smith of Fowler, MI; Rebecca Smith of Fowler, MI; and Nicholas Smith of Fowler, MI.  He is also survived by great-grandchildren: Eliza and Carter Weishuhn; one brother Neil and Fran Thelen; many nieces and nephews; five sister-in-laws: Bernice Robison, Sharon Brown, JoAnn Irrer, Kay Frechen, and Pam Thelen; and brother-in-law Chuck Trierweiler.   Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Carol, and two sisters: Susie and Shirley; four brothers: Eldon, Dennis, Ronald, and Keith; two sisters-in-law: Jean Trierweiler, and Patty Schafer; three brothers- in- laws: Richard Frechen, Don Robison, and LeRoy Schafer. 

     Memorials may be made to Dallas Township Fire Department or American Cancer Society.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.