Gerald Frederick “Jerry” Thenen, 39, of Marshall, died Friday, April 16, 2021 at Lutheran Hospital in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
Jerry was born on September 9, 1981 in Marshall, Michigan to Gerald J. and Katherine L. (Stegman) Thenen.
Raised in Burlington, Jerry attended Union City Schools where he excelled at and enjoyed wrestling, football, and baseball. He graduated from UCHS in 2000, then studied at Kellogg Community College. He graduated in 2005 from Olivet College, where he was on the Dean’s List, earning a Bachelor’s degree in business administration.
While in college, Jerry completed the Millwright Apprenticeship Program, as well as working for the family business, Hackett Construction and Millwright Services in Battle Creek. He was honored with the 2005 Michigan’s Millwright Apprentice of the Year Award and went onto place second at Nationals.
Jerry’s continued work as a Millwright Journeyman led to becoming Project Manager/Estimator for Hackett at DENSO Manufacturing, a time-consuming job he worked tirelessly at, but truly enjoyed. Following the death of his father in 2017, he additionally stepped into his father’s leadership role as the CEO and Vice-President of Hackett. He also served on the Board for the West Michigan Contractor’s Alliance and the Millwright Wayland Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee.
He met the love of his life, Deborah L. Bushouse, in her mother’s first grade class at Union City Elementary; they later married in 2009. They lived in Union City for ten years and recently moved to the centennial family farm in Marshall. Jerry was a tremendous father to his four children, modeling patience, kindness, integrity, courage, humor, and hard work.
Being outdoors with family and friends was a favorite pastime; camping in his fifth wheel, kayaking, caring for the farm and animals, campfires, shooting hoops with his boys, fishing, swimming, and watching sunsets under the old magnolia tree with his wife by his side. Together with friends, he maintained a herd of Belted Galloway cattle. He had a passion for antique tractors; he was involved in an antique tractor club in Marshall and was instrumental in the creation of the annual Jerry Thenen and Family Memorial Tractor Pull, in honor of his father.
Jerry had a heart of gold. Often, he would drop what he was doing to help others, putting their needs before his own. He had a generous spirit, was raised in the First Baptist Church in Tekonsha, and knew the saving grace of God. Jerry was a trustworthy man of his word, living with honor and integrity. He had traditional values and believed in the American dream of working hard and taking care of your family. He could make people laugh with his quick-witted humor, and his big smile, bright blue eyes, and unique laugh could light up a room.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Deborah Thenen, his children, Alexander, Luka, Garrett, and Leta, his mother Katherine Thenen of Burlington, his sister Andrea (Ken) Kerr of Tekonsha, his brother Nick Thenen of Burlington, his maternal grandfather William Stegman of Breedsville, his mother-in-law Judy Bushouse of Coldwater, his uncles Frederick (Michele) Thenen of Tekonsha, Vern Thenen and Raymond Thenen of Marshall, Leslie (Carolyne) Stegman of Virginia Beach, VA, Robert Stegman of Huntsville, MO, William L. Stegman of Breedsville, his entire Bushouse family, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and innumerous lifelong friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, paternal grandparents Frederick and Lorraine Thenen, maternal grandmother June Stegman, and father-in-law Dr. Stanley R Bushouse.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Deborah Thenen to establish a fund for the children. You may donate during the visitation, mail a check (payable to Deb) to Lighthouse, PO BOX 161, Union City, MI 49094 or you can donate online by visiting https://www.lighthousefuneral.com/funeral-funding/donate-to-funeral-expenses.
A public visitation will be held Friday, April 23, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Funeral and Cremation in Union City. In an effort to ensure health and safety, the family may not be present at the visitation. They ask that everyone wear masks and use social distancing measures.
A private family graveside service will be held at Burlington Cemetery. A public time of remembrance will be held at a later date.
Please visit www.lighthousefuneral.com to share memories, pictures, and videos with the family.
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