Richard Norman Thelen

Richard Norman Thelen, 87, of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan, went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2023. He was born January 1, 1936, in Fowler, Michigan, to Julius and Rosa (Spitzley) Thelen, the youngest of seven children. Dick is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rosemary; their children: Craig (Christina) Thelen, Brian (Maggie) Thelen, Gina (Thomas) Truxton, and Jill Sambaer; grandchildren: Melanie (James) Randall, Eliza Thelen, Connor Thelen, Arianna (Christian) Myler, Tyler (Chloe) Truxton, Troy Truxton, Lucas Sambaer, Emma Sambaer, and Matthew Sambaer; and greatgrandchildren: Penelope Randall, Taryn Truxton, and Caden Truxton; his sisters-in-law Janice Thelen, Rita Thelen, and brother-in-law James Armbrustmacher. In death, Dick joins his parents, brothers Don (Anne) Thelen, Stan Thelen, Ken Thelen, Elmer (Therese) Thelen, and sisters Thelma (Hilary) Simon, and Gladys Armbrustmacher. Dick grew up on a farm in Fowler, playing basketball with his brothers in the barn. He was a member of the 1952 Fowler H.S. Boys Basketball State Championship Team. He graduated as valedictorian of his class in 1954, then helped his parents on the farm. He joined the Army in 1955 and served for two years in California and then Korea. Upon his return he attended Michigan State University to become a teacher and studied math and physical education. Dick met the love of his life, Rosemary Simon, on a blind date in 1957, and were married two years later. They moved to Battle Creek where Dick began his teaching career at St. Phillips. A year later, they moved to Fowler where Dick taught math and coached basketball and football at Fowler High School. He also drove a school bus, taught drivers education, and became the high school principal. After getting his Master's degree in counseling at MSU, Dick moved the family to Mt. Pleasant where he spent 26 years as a guidance counselor for Mt. Pleasant High School. He was active in the Sacred Heart Parish for over 50 years, where he was an usher, a lector, and served on the school board. In retirement, Dick and Rosie enjoyed spending their summers on the golf courses of Michigan and their winters in Florida. They loved to travel, having vacationed throughout the U.S. and Canada, two trips to Europe, and several cruises. Dick loved reading, going for bike rides, mastering Sudoku puzzles, and watching sports with Rosie. In addition, he was an avid card player enjoying bridge, euchre, pepper, and cribbage. Lifelong friendships were made thanks to joining the Newcomers Club when they moved to Mt. Pleasant. This resulted in countless evenings over the last 55 years of playing bridge together with special friends. Dick was a wise and gentle soul, with a brilliant smile and infectious laugh. He was generous, kind, and witty. Faith and family were his priorities, and he instilled the value of hard work and education in his children. He was the biggest supporter of his children and grandchildren. He was a grandpa who gave the best hugs and doted on his grandchildren by playing endless card games, board games and attending their school and sporting events. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to tease and play practical jokes. Dick also had a special affinity for ice cream, cookies, strawberry shortcake, and his wife's homemade pies. A meal was always better if there was dessert! A Funeral Mass for Richard will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Tuesday, May 9, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (302 S Kinney, Mt Pleasant) with Father Loren Kalinowski as celebrant. The family will receive friends at Charles R. Lux Family Funeral Home (2300 S Lincoln Rd, Mt. Pleasant) on Monday from 4 -7:00 p.m. with the Vigil starting at 7pm. Visitation continues at the church on Tuesday one hour prior to Mass. All are invited to Lincoln Reception Center (attached to the funeral home) for a meal. Rite of Committal will be in Most Holy Trinity Cemetery in Fowler, following the meal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Richard Thelen to Sacred Heart Foundation or CorsoCare, the hospice care company that took such great care of him. Envelopes are available at the funeral home or church. To sign the online guest book or leave a condolence for the family please visit www.CharlesRLux.com.