Sylvester Thiel

Sylvester Francis Thiel, 93, shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, passed away at home on May 31, 2016, in the midst of family.

Syl was born in Detroit, Mich., on Oct. 8, 1922, to Edmund and Josephine Thiel. After graduating from high school, Syl joined the Air Force and served in Holland during the invasion of Normandy. 

He was one of 50 people to form the Professional Bowlers Association. Syl started his career managing a 24-lane, moving to a 52-lane, and then a 70-lane before purchasing his own 17-lane house in Royal Oaks, Mich. In March 2016, Syl bowled his 71st national tournament, tying the record with two others. At the time of his death, Syl was in sixth place for all-time pin fall in the National Bowling Tournament. Along with bowling, he enjoyed golf, football and the casino. Syl had stories to tell, and would share them with anyone willing to listen. 

Syl was on the Lake City City Council for nine years. While on the council, he was liaison to the Marina Board and served on the planning board for the new hospital. He was a member of the American Legion and lifetime member of the Lake City Sportsmen Club and VFW. Syl was blessed with three children from his first wife, Madeline. 

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Phyllis; son, Tim (Barry); daughters, Cindy (Steve), Jacqui (Bill), and Patti (Mike); eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. 

Please join us in celebration of his life at St. John's Lutheran Church on Monday, June 6, at 11 a.m., with Pastor John Berg officiating. Visitation will be from 2 pm. to 5 p.m. Sunday, June 5, at Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel in Lake City, and at 10 a.m. Monday at the church.                                  

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Schleicher Funeral Homes, Lake City Chapel, 1865 S Highway 61, PO Box 300, Lake City, 651-345-5778. Guest register may be signed online at www.schleicherfuneralhomes.com.