Donald Joseph Thelen Westphalia Donald J. Thelen passed away on January 3, 2017 at the age of 86. Donald was born May 18, 1930 in Dallas Twp. to Anthony and Mathilda (Nurenberg) Thelen. Donald was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, and was a Legion of Honor member of the Catholic Order of Foresters. He served two years in the U.S. Army, from 1955-1957. Donald was an avid P.W. High School and University of Michigan fan. Donald married Georgene Becker on August 29, 1951 and she survives him. Also surviving are their children, Steven (Krisie) Thelen, Virginia (Ken) Pung, James (Bev) Thelen, Karla Thelen, Glen (Cindy) Thelen, Troy (Tammy) Thelen; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Hengesbach and Mary Ellen (Don) Schneider; and in-laws, Jeanene (Gerald) Thelen, James (Alice) Becker, William Thoma, and Gerard (Lori) Becker. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Bernadine (Tom) Simon and sister-in-law, Virginia Thoma; and brother-in-law, Robert Hengesbach. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, January 6, 2017, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Westphalia, with Fr. Eric Weber presiding. The family will receive friends Thursday at the St. Mary’s Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia St., from 3-8 p.m. A rosary will be prayed Thursday at 2 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary’s School, Westphalia Fire Department, and the P.W. Athletic Boosters in honor of Donald. Arrangements are entrusted to Lehman Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made at www.lehmanfuneralhomes.com.