Michael Thiel Sr.

Michael “Mike” Thiel Sr., 66, of Tigerton, passed away Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014 at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield. Michael John Thiel was born on Aug. 12, 1948, in Shawano to Wilbur and Dolores (Malueg) Thiel. His father was career military so the family moved around, but Mike graduated from Tigerton High School in 1966. He entered the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam from November 1967 to July 1969. Mike was united in marriage on Oct. 4, 1969, to Kathleen M. Redman at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton. After marriage, the couple lived in New City, New York, where Mike worked as a switchman with the local telephone company. They returned to Tigerton, and he was employed as a foreman at Marathon Electric, Wausau, for close to 17 years. Then Mike started with the village of Tigerton as the director of public works. After close to 20 years, he retired in 2010. He was a member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, the Lions Club and American Legion Post 239, all of Tigerton. Mike enjoyed helping coach Tigerton High School baseball and football. He was an avid Packers fan and always played to win. Mike liked to play golf any chance he had, and he also liked coaching Legion baseball for some time. The couple traveled, and he especially loved spending time with his family. Survivors include his wife of 45 years, Kathy, and three children, Michael (Sarah) Thiel Jr., of Tigerton, Ryan Thiel, of Wausau, and Nichole (Bret) Delfosse, of Oshkosh. There are eight grandchildren: Anthony, Jackson, Olivia, Ava and Alli Thiel, Madelyn and Mollie Delfosse, and Xao Yang. There are three sisters: Sally (Dominic) Delibertis, of New City, New York, Jean (Fred) Woods, of Columbus, Georgia, and Peggy (David) Ridley, of Phenix City, Alabama. There are four brothers: Patrick (Stephanie) Thiel, of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Richard (Georgia) Thiel, of Sharpsburg, Georgia, Jeff (Angie) Thiel, of Midland, Georgia, and Steven (Stephanie) Thiel, of Midland, Georgia. Mike is further survived by many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, retired U.S. Army Col. Wilbur and Dolores Thiel. A memorial service will be held on Friday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Tigerton. Deacon Michael Brandt will officiate, and inurnment will follow at Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Military honors will be provided at the cemetery by members of American Legion Post 239, Tigerton. Friends may call on Thursday from 4-7 p.m. at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton, and on Friday from 10 a.m. until time of service at the church. Online condolences may be sent via www.beil-didier.com.