Wendell Leroy Thaler

Wendell Thaler, 91, of Mooresville, passed on to his Heavenly home on Monday, March 23, 2026, at Cumberland Trace Assisted Living. He was born in Middleville, Michigan, on August 28, 1934, to the late Ivan J. and Doris Norine (Hupp) Thaler.

Wendell grew up in a farmhouse with his parents and three siblings, where he met and fell in love with his childhood sweetheart, Jean Janose. In 1953, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and patrolled the waters off the East Coast. A year later, he married Jean, and shortly thereafter they welcomed their first child. After four years of service, he was honorably discharged at the rank of First Class Petty Officer.

Wendell went on to pursue a degree in electrical engineering from Tri-State University while working full-time to support his growing family, which eventually included three children. In 1966, he accepted a position with the Indiana Gas Company as an Industrial Engineer and established roots in Mooresville. After nearly 30 years with the company, he retired as Vice President of Engineering and Technology.

While technically “retired,” Wendell never stopped working. He served as chairman of his church, was a member and donor of the Community Foundation of Morgan County, and most notably, a devoted member of the Mooresville Lions Club. A dedicated Lion since 1968, his commitment to service and mentorship built a lasting legacy that earned him Mooresvillian of the Year in 2003.

His family best remembers him as the ultimate engineer and tinkerer. When visiting their home, chances were you would find him in his garage, surrounded by tools, gadgets, and tractors; in the basement, working on watches or taking things apart to see how they worked; or in his office working on his computer. His office was filled with collectible tractors, trinkets, books, and photo albums, and, most humbly, the awards recognizing his achievements as an engineer and a cherished member of the community and the family.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Lois Jean (Janose) Thaler; his brother, Warren J. Thaler; his children, Kim (Sandy) Thaler, Cindy (Dan) Bash, and Mark (Antonette) Thaler; and seven grandchildren: Jessica, Brandon, Ashley, Chad, Danielle, Karissa, and Evan; seven great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Janet Lee Thaler and Nancy Lou Thaler.

Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Gathering on Sunday, April 12^th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Mooresville First United Methodist Church. In keeping with Wendell’s wishes, his earthly remains will be cremated and laid to rest at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield. Carlisle–Branson Funeral Service & Crematory has been entrusted with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, we are asking for donations to be made to the Church In Mission, https://churchesinmission.org/ or Mooresville Lions Club, https://donate.stripe.com/8x2eVd5p04yl3XsdEWfQI02.