Therese A. (Snitgen) Thelen

Therese A. Thelen, a lifelong resident of Westphalia, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2025, at the age of 91, with her family by her side. Born on June 8, 1933, to Hilary and Bernita (Simon) Snitgen, Therese was deeply rooted in her community and faith. She was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Christian Mother’s Society, and the Catholic Order of Foresters. Therese found joy in life’s simple pleasures, including bowling, quilting, playing cards, and watching birds. A loyal Michigan State basketball fan, she embraced life with her positivity and radiant spirit. Above all, Therese will be cherished for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and kindness.

Preceding Therese in death are her parents; loving husband of 48 years, Donald Thelen; son-in-law, Phil Kramer; great-grandson, Ellis Smith; siblings, Bernadette (Herm), Dorothea (Melvin), Eileen (Edward), Frederick (Dolores) and Larry; and in-laws, Richard, Edward, Bernadette and Bernadine. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Lee (Karen) Thelen, Marti (Dawn) Thelen, Tina (Dave) Smith, Nita (Ed) Panwas, and Amy (Paul) Bearss; 16 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren, with one on the way; brothers-in-law, Delbert (Joyce) Thelen and Dennis (Marj) Thelen; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Thelen and Karen Thelen; and many special nieces and nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Eric Weber at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 4, 2025 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 3, 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. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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