Jeanette Thelen

Jeanette M. "Jean" Thelen, age 87, of Melrose, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Friday, October 9, 2009 at Albert Lea Medical Center in Albert Lea.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 15 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose with Rev. Vince Lieser officiating. Interment will be at St. Mary's Cemetery in Melrose.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Thursday at the Patton-Schad Funeral Home in Melrose. Christian Mothers will pray at 6 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.

Jeanette Mary Klapperich was born November 2, 1921 in New Munich to Peter and Rose (Weymann) Klapperich. She worked at the Pentagon from 1941 to 1945. On September 23, 1946 she married Alphonse "Al" Thelen at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Melrose. Jeanette was a homemaker who raised six children. She worked for Stearns Electric in Melrose for over 20 years. Jeanette enjoyed crocheting, knitting, and was a member of the Christian Mothers and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Melrose. She volunteered her time at church helping with children's envelopes and as a lector.

Survivors include her children, Thomas (Ann)Thelen of Woodbury, Charles "Chuck" (Janet) Thelen of Hot Springs, AR, Barbara (Durlin) Hensch of Albert Lea, John (Irene) Thelen of Grand Forks, ND, Neil (Maggie) Thelen of Eagan, and Greg (Heather) Thelen of Lakeville; 16 grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; sister, Bernice (Roscoe) Hatch of the State of Washington; and brother, Lloyd (Margaret) Klapperich of the State of Virginia.

Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Al Thelen on August 5, 2004; brother, Ralph Klapperich; sister, Renee Benoit; and great-grandson, Andrew Giles.

Serving as casket bearers will be her children, Thomas, Charles, Barbara, John, Neal, and Greg. Cross bearer will be McKenzie Thelen and scripture bearer will be Alanna Thelen. Gift bearers will be Elizabeth Thelen, Leah Thelen, Lori Giles, and Julie Westerland. Eucharistic Ministers will be Carol Poepping and Joan Budde. Readers will be Michelle Margraf and Barbara Adams.