Robert Edward “Hubbie” Thelen, age 82, of Westphalia, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021. Robert was born on June 29, 1938 to Leonard and Marian (Smith) Thelen. On May 14, 1960 he married the love of his life for over sixty years, Mary Ellen Pung.
Robert was an extremely social person and he never met strangers, he met friends. He was willing to help anyone and everyone. Robert was an avid sports fan for his entire life and played softball until he was into his sixties. Robert was a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He retired from Consumers Power (Energy).
He loved his wife and children more than anything, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He will leave a huge hole in the hearts of his loving family, friends and the community.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Norman and Martha (Simon) Pung; brothers, Reynold and Leon; in-laws, Leon Ambrustmacher, Jean Kennicott, Clare Pung, Mark (Daria) Pung, and Jerome Pung. Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Ellen; his children, Cheryl (Kyle) Miller, Daniel (Bev), Julie (Allen) Spitzley, Michael (Amy), Craig (Michelle), and Laura (Garrick) Pohl; 19 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren with one on the way; siblings, William (Joan), Marie Ambrustmacher, Jeannette (Joe) Pung, Ervin (Mary Jane), Gary (Linda), and Kathleen (John) Eklund; in-laws, Ann Thelen, Teresa Pung, Katie Good, Paul (Genie) Pung; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Friday, January 22, 2021 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2-8 p.m. on Thursday, January 21, 2021 at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. The family will be present from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Westphalia Fire Department or a charity of one’s choice in memory of Hubbie. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.
*Masks must be worn by those attending the visitation and the funeral mass. It is also requested that social distancing guidelines are followed.
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