Duane Louis Thelen

Duane Louis Thelen, age 72 of DeWitt, MI went peacefully into his Heavenly Father’s arms on Friday, February 4, 2022. Duane was born on November 28, 1949 and worked on the family farm in DeWitt for many years. Duane graduated from St. Johns High School, St. Johns, MI in 1969 and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Air Force where we was involved in numerous covert missions around the world and received many medals. He received his commercial pilot license and was an airplane mechanic. Upon leaving the Air Force, he worked on the B-1 Bombers in California. He returned to Michigan and worked with his Dad in the building industry for many years. He then worked in building maintenance for the Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt for approximately 20 years.

Duane is survived by his family members: Elaine Stewart, Judy DeSmith, Daniel Thelen, Mary Ellen Schertzing (David), sisters-in-law Rosemary Thelen and Janice Thelen also many nieces and nephews. Deceased family members are his parents Melvin & Mary (Rademacher) Thelen, brothers Larry, Dave & Roger Thelen, brothers-in-law Julien DeSmith and Gene Stewart.

Duane’s faith was important to him and he frequently attended mass at St. Jude in DeWitt and St. Gerard in Lansing. Dennis and Debbie Chlebina were his dearest friends and were always very supportive.

A Mass of Resurrection will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, February 14, 2022 at the Catholic Community of St. Jude in DeWitt with Rev. Fr. David Speicher as Celebrant. Prior to Mass on Monday there will be a Rosary prayed at 9:30 am followed by visiting from 10-11 am all at the Church. The Rite of Committal will take place at 2 pm on Monday at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Cemetery in Fowler with Military Honors offered.

For those not able to attend the Mass on Monday you are welcome to join us via a live Facebook video on Gorsline-Runciman Funeral Homes-DeWitt Facebook page or by clicking the Join Live Stream link below under Services.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the St. Jude Food Bank 801 N. Bridge Street, DeWitt, MI 48820 in memory of Duane.

We will always love and miss you Duane.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes DeWitt Chapel. To leave a cherished memory or words of sympathy for the family please visit www.grdewitt.com.