Irene Thelen

Age 94, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2003.  She was born on January 20, 1909 in Fowler, the daughter of Herbert and Theresia (Pung) Armbrustmacher and lived in Westphalia most of her life.  She was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers Women's Guild, and the Daughters of Isabella.  She married John I. Thelen on April 29, 1930 and together they shared 67 years of marriage until his passing on February 8, 1998.  She was also preceded in death by a daughter, Joan Schafer; grandson, Terry Schafer; sisters, Clara Rademacher and Bernita Nurenberg; brothers, Harold and Clem Armbrustmacher.  Surviving are her children, Dolores (Anthony) Martin, Patricia (Edward) Wieber, Bernadette (Richard) Droste, John (Alice) Thelen, all of Westphalia and Theresa (Casper) Feldpausch of Fowler; son-in-law, Gilbert (Joan) Schafer of Pewamo; 29 grandchildren; 70 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Cecilio Reyna, Pastor at 10:30 a.m. Friday, December 12, 2003 at St. Mary's Catholic Church with Rite of Committal following at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery, Westphalia.  The family will receive friends at the St. Mary's Funeral Chapel, 210 N. Westphalia Street, Westphalia from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.  The rosaries will be prayed at 3 and 8 p.m. both days. Pall Bearers will be Todd Droste, Chad Feldpausch, Kevin Feldpausch, Scott Thelen, Tim Wieber, and Wayne Wieber.