Clair Martin Thelen

Clair M. Thelen, age 89, of Westphalia, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. He was born on December 30, 1935 in Westphalia, the son of Norman and Mary Thelen. Clair was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and the Catholic Order of Foresters. He served his country in the Michigan National Guard. On August 26, 1959, he married Catherine P. Martin and together they enjoyed more than 65 years together. His faith and family were very important to him. He truly enjoyed the simple farming life.

Clair spent 18 years working for General Motors in Production and as an Electrician in the Maintenance Department before becoming a self-employed farmer.

Clair was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Agnes Thelen; father and mother-in-law, John and Alvina Martin; siblings, Dennis Thelen, Joseph Mark Thelen, David Thelen, Sr. Norma Thelen; daughter-in-law, Jan Thelen (Perry); granddaughter, Crystal Weber; brothers-in-law, Cliff (Adelene) Martin; Bob (Bernadine) Martin, Jim Becker, Jack (Marie) Martin, and Dale Martin; sisters-in-law, Genevieve (Clarence) Simon, Eileen (Bernard) Schafer, and Pauline Goerge.

Surviving are his wife, Catherine Thelen; children, Lisa (Thom) Davidson, Perry (Shirley) Thelen, and Mark (Pam) Thelen; 14 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Rosemary (John) Nurenberg, Tom (Barb) Thelen, Virginia (Melvin) Drake, and Linda (Don) Thelen; sisters-in-law, Alice (Jim) Becker and Joan Thelen; and many nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Sunday, February 23, 2025 from 2-8 p.m. with the rosary being prayed at 1:30 p.m. at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Monday, February 24, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Those wishing may make contributions to St. Mary’s School in memory of Clair. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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