William "Bill" Nicholas Thelen

William “Bill” Nicholas Thelen, age 82, of Pewamo, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2024, on the feast of the Queenship of Mary, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and hard work.

Bill was born on May 18, 1942, to Louis and Hilda (Fox) Thelen. He graduated from Pewamo High School in 1960, enlisted in the Army Reserves, and spent most of his life farming with his brother, Tony. Bill’s passion was his Catholic faith, his family and serving others. He was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a member of the K of C Council #8071. He was active in the Cursillo movement, Pre-Cana, teaching Religious Education, Catholic Prison Ministry, Keryx Prison Ministry, and brought the Holy Eucharist every Sunday for many years to the inmates. Bill served on the Pewamo Town Council for 30 years, with 5 years as Mayor. In retirement, he enjoyed driving bus for P-W Schools.

Bill loved traveling with Diane on their numerous pilgrimages and mission trips, meeting new people, making his renowned homemade wine, playing cards with family and friends (especially his 48 Group), family vacations at Coldwater Lake, Canada fishing trips and reading. He was a tireless and proud supporter of his grandchildren’s many activities. His generosity was evident in how he spent his time, talent and treasure.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of almost 59 years, Diane (Platte), his children Mary Jo Baker, Jane (Terry) Thelen, Tom (Jill) Thelen, Kristin (Brian) Flynn, Fran (Beth) Thelen, Anne (Terry) Dillon, and Elizabeth (Brandon) Weber, 37 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren; siblings Sr. Donna Jean, Kate Hanses, Bonnie (Bob) Pearson, and in-laws Mary Ann Thelen, Elvan Pohl and Beverly Platte.

Preceding Bill in death are his parents, his brothers Jim (Mary Ann) and Tony, sisters Donna (Phil) Kramer and G. Sue Thelen, and Godson Phil Kramer; in-laws David Hanses, Arlene Koster, Evelyn (Louis) Hengesbach, Mary Ellen Pohl, Robert Platte, Gladys (Robert) Bengel and several nephews.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Rev. Darrel Kempf. Concelebrants include Rev. Charlon Mason, Rev. Pete Schafer, Rev. Ron Jandernoa, Fr. Kolbe Wolniakowski and Fr. Mark Mitchell at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pewamo. The Rite of Committal will be at St. Joseph Cemetery with a luncheon to follow. Both Visitations will also be held at the Church (126 East St., Pewamo) on Sunday from 2-5 p.m., with a 1:30 p.m. Rosary, and on Monday from 4-8 p.m. Arrangements are with Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

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