Vickie L. Thelen

Vickie L. Thelen, age 71 of Portland, was called home to spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on November 14, 2024.  Vickie was a devoted wife, loving mother, amazing Grammy and cherished friend.  She peacefully passed away surrounded by loved ones, but not before making sure to leave this world with as much laughter as she could.

Vickie was born on November 26, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri the daughter of James and Betty (Hufker) Reilly.  She met the love of her life, Russell, while on a bus to visit her sister.  Vickie was immediately drawn to the man in uniform, and they were married on May 5, 1972; after which, she was whisked off to build her new family in Portland, Michigan.  Vickie was quick to make new friends, including her forever friend, Sue VanLente.  Russ and Vickie quickly started building their family and eventually moved to their farm where Vickie learned to drive tractors and find lost cows.  She enjoyed camping, traveling, sewing, riding in the Model T, and the song “Thunder”.

Throughout her life, no matter what challenges she was facing, she never missed the opportunity to make someone laugh.  Her silly wit and goofy shenanigans ensured that any encounter with Vickie was a memorable one.  Vickie had many friends including her very special “Weanie” friends, her camping friends and her Texas friends.

Vickie’s most precious gift to us was the love that she showed her family and all those who knew her.  She was destined to be the very best Grammy there ever was.  She brought her love, humor and support to the lives of her family, who will forever be looking for plastic spiders hidden around the house.

Vickie is preceded in death by her daughter Angela; parents James and Betty; In-Laws Gregory & Florence; and sister Susan Rowe-Testolin.

Surviving her are her husband of 52 years, Russell; children, Jeff (Ellie) Thelen; Melissa (Corey) Carpenter; grandchildren, Landon, Nathan, Claire, Avery, Reese, Loren, Camden, Brady and Logan; Siblings, Jim (Peggy) Reilly, Dan (Ann) Reilly, JoAnn (DK) Keller, Tom (Julie) Reilly, Mike (Molly) Reilly; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Fr. Mike at 11:00 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Portland.  The rosary will be prayed at 3:30 p.m. with visitation following until 8 p.m. on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Lehman Funeral Home, 210 E. Bridge St., Portland.  For those wishing, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick’s Tuition Angels Fund in memory of Vickie – https://giving.parishsoft.com/App/Giving/stppob211, or checks can be mailed directly to St. Patrick’s School.

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