Jerome Robert Thelen

       Jerome Robert Thelen, age 86, of Fowler, MI, passed away Friday, May 23, 2025.
       A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler, MI, at 10:30 A.M. on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, with Rev. Fr. John Whitlock presiding. A private burial will take place at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery, Fowler, MI. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, beginning at 6:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. followed by a Rosary being prayed at Smith Family Funeral Homes- Goerge Chapel, Fowler, MI.
       Jerome was born in St. Johns, Michigan, on March 16, 1939, the son of Robert and Rose (Martin) Thelen. He was a graduate of Fowler High School. He married Arlene R. Hendee, on July 1, 1961, in Fowler, MI. They were blessed with forty-seven years of marriage, prior to her passing on September 25, 2008. Jerome and Arlene began fostering children before 1962, and continued for 35 years. Throughout those 35 years they opened their home to 55 foster children.
      Jerome retired from General Motors in 1997 after 36 years. He was a volunteer firefighter for 25 years, serving in Dallas Township. Jerome loved going to car shows with his 1962 Oldsmobile Starfire and driving it in parades. He served his country in the Army National Guard for six years. Jerome was an avid bowler for many years and was an avid sports fan, especially enjoyed watching the Lions, Tigers, and Spartans Jerome and Arlene spent many summers camping with friends and family as this was one of their favorite things to do together. He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Fowler.
       He is survived by his daughter Germaine Petrick and fiancé' Jeff Sayles; three grandchildren: Autumn and Andrew Dalessandro; Adyn Petrick; Dan Osborne; a great-grandchild on the way; his sister Marcella Rademacher.  Jerome was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Arlene, and his two children: Colleen and Frankie Thelen, his brothers: Martin, Clarence, Donald, and Jim Thelen, his sister Joanne Miller, and his brothers and sister-in-law: Ray Hendee, Fred Hendee, Robert Hendee, Wayne Hendee, and Gayla Stafford.
      The family wishes to express their thanks to the doctors, specifically Dr. Peter Hedderich, and nurses at University of Michigan Health- Sparrow, as well as Crystal, Henrietta, and Peggy of Hospice House of Mid-Michigan for the compassion and excellent treatment given to Jerome.
      Memorials may be made to Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.