Lewis Andrew Thelen

Lewis Andrew Thelen passed away peacefully at his home at the age of 99 on December 12, 2025, with family at his side.

Born on August 11, 1926, he was one of eight children born to Joseph Thelen and Lillian (Webster) Thelen. Raised on a farm on Levering Road, Cross Village area. He married Winona Standish from Harbor Springs on December 29th, 1951. They raised five children in the Harbor Springs, then Petoskey area. He spent his whole life working as a house painter and handyman.

He was very active in the Catholic churches. He was proud to have painted the cross on the steeple of the St. Francis Church of Petoskey in 1986. When asked if he was afraid of falling, he would say no, he had a good grip on the paint brush.

Along with other projects for the church, he donated many years to volunteering at Brother Dan’s Food Pantry. He was a very active member of the Knights of Columbus for over 75 years, serving in many positions.

He is survived by four children, Larry Thelen, Nona (Chuck) McDonald, Lisa (Jim) Christoff, and Holly Thelen, six grandchildren, and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his son Mike Thelen, his parents, and all of his seven siblings: Jesse, Robert, Vindle, Paul, Leona, Margaret, and Katherine.

The family would like to thank the McLaren Hospice nurses for their compassionate care in his last week of life. And all of his fellow Knights of Columbus, and many friends who were so good to him in his later stage of life. He was so proud of almost making it to 100. We told him he really did, as he was in his 100th year.

He will always be remembered for his hardy hugs and positive attitude.