Ralph R. Thelen

Ralph  R.  Thelen

1945 – 2020

Ralph Thelen, formerly of Fowler, became a Christmas angel on Friday, December 25, 2020, at the age of 75.  He was born on July 27th, 1945 to Martin and Martha (Rademacher) Thelen.  Ralph was born with developmental disabilities, and as was customary at the time, became a resident of a State home for disabled children at a young age.  For most of his adult life Ralph lived in several different adult foster homes and thrived in each of them, especially at the Boichot Home in Lansing, where he spent the last thirty years of his life. We are extremely grateful to the Boichot staff and management for the wonderful care he has received there.

Ralph was a very happy guy, and was loved by all who came to know him.  He always enjoyed visitors and made them feel most welcome with his big smile.  Once you met him, you couldn't help but be charmed by him.  He will be deeply missed.

Ralph is survived by brothers Larry (Roxanne) Thelen and Dan (Nancy) Thelen of Ionia, Duane Thelen of Sparta; sisters Mary Lou (Bruce) Campbell of Lansing, Pauline Harris and Karen Thelen of Ionia, Lucy Thelen of Hubbardston, Anita (Bob) Talcott of Saranac, and Sharon (Jim Lauderdale) Thelen of Statham, GA; maternal aunt Monnie Rademacher and several paternal aunts and an uncle along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.  He was preceded in death by his father, Martin, his mother, Martha, sister Phyllis Thelen, and brothers Albert and Dale Thelen.

The Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 30th at 11:00 a.m. at SS. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Ionia, MI.  Visitation will be held for one hour to the funeral at the church.  In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to: Open Arms Link, Van Purchase Fund, 8161 Executive Court, Suite 130, Lansing, MI  48917. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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