Terry Lee Thelen

     Terry Lee "Red" Thelen, age 65, of Fowler, MI, passed away Saturday, August 29, 2026, at his home.
     A Celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
     Terry was born in Carson City, Michigan on November 2, 1960, the son of Allen O. and Gladah Elaine (Lumbert) Thelen.
     Those who knew, Terry, knew that he lived life his way. Family always came first for Terry & he would drop whatever he was doing to help them. He had a special bond with his nieces & nephews, he was either talking about sports & hunting with them or showing them how to be good at it. Terry had coached Jr. High track for the past 25 years & some of his nieces & nephews had the honor of being coached by coach Thelen, something they will cherish forever. He coached a lot of kids through the years & made lasting relationships that lasted far beyond him coaching them.
     Terry was an exceptional athlete during his high school years at Fowler having participated in football, basketball, and track. Even after high school he was involved in playing sports. He played fast pitch softball in the Fowler league for many years playing with his family & friends for "The Monkeys". Terry was a self-employed paint and auto body man, owning Extreme Collision II.
     He is survived by brothers: Kirk "Match" Thelen of Fowler, MI; Tim "Bonehead" Thelen of St. Johns, MI; and Jeff "Spook" and Kim Thelen of Fowler, MI; nieces and nephews: Josh and Mackenzie Thelen of Fowler, MI; Dustin and Heather Thelen of Elsie, MI; Tyler and Jesse Thelen of East Lansing, MI; Travis "Skunk" and Amanda Thelen of Fowler, MI; Evan Thelen and Kelsey Tyler of Fowler, MI; Ashley and Trent Droste of Maple Rapids, MI; and Chelsea and Trent Feldpausch of Fowler. He is also survived by many great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Allen and Gladah Thelen and many aunts and uncles.
     Memorials may be made to Fowler Public Schools Athletics in honor of Terry. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Goerge Chapel, Fowler, Michigan.