Justin John Thelen Westphalia Age 84, passed away on Wednesday January 2, 2013. He was born on April 9, 1928 in Westphalia, MI the son of Herbert and Esther (Bedenbender) Thelen. Mr. Thelen served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, was a member of the V.F.W. Post #3733 Fowler, Westphalia, Pewamo, and was a lifelong dairy farmer. Justin was also a member of the Catholic Order of Foresters, St. Joseph Society, and Holy Name Society. He enjoyed playing cards, puzzles, cutting wood, and attending his grandchildrens' events. Justin married Elaine (Bengel) Thelen on October 17, 1956. Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Claudia Thelen. Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Elaine; children, Leanne (Dave) O'Brien, Carolyn (Brian) Norton, Beverly (Pat) Thelen, Jon (Lori) Thelen, and Janean (Jason) Kriss; grandchildren, Natalie and Shawn O'Brien, Elizabeth (Nate) Simon, Justin Norton, Jared and Claudia Thelen, Justin, Leslie, Ethan and Elyse Thelen, Andrew, Elaina, and Michael "Joe" Kriss; great granddaughter, Brynn Simon; sister, Romayne Schmitt; several in-laws, nieces, nephews and godchildren. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, January 7, 2013 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Rev. James Conlon presiding. Rite of Committal will follow at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia. The family will receive friends from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia. Rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday, and a Scriptural Wake Service will be held at 8 p.m. on Sunday. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes, Portland. On line condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.

Published in Lansing State Journal on January 4, 2013