Adelbert "Delbert" H. Thelen

Adelbert “Delbert” H. Thelen, age 89, of Westphalia, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2025. He was born on December 17, 1935 in Westphalia the son of Edward J. and Wilhelmenia “Minnie” (Stump) Thelen. Delbert was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the St. Joseph Society. He co-owned and operated the Westphalia Milling Company since 1958 after taking over from his father. Delbert said, “I never went very far because I worked 500 feet and now live 5 blocks from where I was born. Westphalia is my home”. He was also proud to work with area farmers most of his life. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was on the Westphalia Fire Department for 21 years, serving as the Assistant Fire Chief for several years. He enjoyed bowling and had a gift to talk to anyone he encountered. On June 9,1956, he married Joyce Bedenbender and together they enjoyed more than 68 years together. Delbert was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Richard Thelen, Donald (Therese) Thelen, Edward “Skip” Thelen, Bernadette Thelen, and Bernadine Thelen; mother-in-law, Eleanor Bedenbender. Surviving are his wife, Joyce; children, Tami (Bob) Feldpausch, Randy (Darci) Thelen, Julie (Gary) Rudolph, Chris (Linda) Thelen, Tim (Janice) Thelen, Shawn (Jackie Schacher) Thelen and Ted (Christi) Thelen; grandchildren, Derik (Anne), Nathan (Emily) and Troy (Lauren) Feldpausch, Kelsey (John) Droste, Amanda (Kyle) Bennett, Alex (Ayesha) Thelen and Angela (Kevin) Serdahely; great grandchildren, Ben, Amelia, Josh, Evan, Andy, Nick, Lane, Bryce, Leah,  Rory, Wren, Edie, Isobel, Eliza, Sophie, and Aydin; step-grandchildren, Matt (Angela), Chris (Jenny), and Cam (Ashley) Rudolph; step-great grandchildren, Luke, Jack, Hudson, Hannah, Mason and Henry; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Thelen and Karen Thelen; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Margie) Thelen and Perry Bedenbender; many nieces, nephews and cousins. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at St. Mary’s Church. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2:00 – 8:00 p.m., Monday, February 3, 2025, at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street. The rosary will be prayed at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Westphalia Fire Department, P.O. Box 236, Westphalia MI 48894 in memory of Delbert. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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