Carolyn Mary Thiel

1932 - 2018

Carolyn Mary Thiel, 86, of Kingsley, passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018, at her home.
Carolyn was born on May 8, 1932 in Traverse City, the daughter of Harold Philip and Anna Mabel (Ransom) Feiger. On 19 November 1952 in Traverse City, she married Lee Welborn Thiel, who preceded her in death on September 20, 1996.
Carolyn graduated from Central High School in 1950. She attended Michigan State University for two years before her marriage. Afterward she was a house wife and dairy farmer, living in Traverse City, Buckley, and Sault Ste. Marie, before returning to Traverse City and Kingsley.
Mother spent winters in Tucson with Homer. She enjoyed both the warm weather and the company of Homer's many friends.
Mother and Susan gardened together. Mother set her plants around the perimeter of her deck. Then she was able to tend her plants at a convenient height from the ground. Mother talked many times of the geraniums Susan had given her. She sat in her rocking chair enjoying the plants, her bird feeders, and the occasional raccoon or possum.
Mother spent much time in Manton visiting Lee's Amish community. She especially enjoyed the end of the school year picnic. The bird house she bought at last year's picnic has chickadees nesting in it.
Mother would say that reading was her passion. She would read anything, library books, the newspapers, magazines, catalogs, and even her junk mail.
Mother sewed quilts and clothing, and knitted beautiful sweaters and socks. Always keeping her hands busy, while sitting in great-grandmother Edna Fillmore Ransom's rocking chair.
Mother was assisted in her daily life by many wonderful care givers and nurses from In Home Health. Mother said she always felt better after hearing from her case manager, Lisa Teglas.
Carolyn is survived by four children, Elizabeth (Jeffrey) Voice of Interlochen, Susan Thiel of Kingsley, Lee Thiel II of Manton, and Homer Thiel of Tucson, Arizona. She has three grandsons, Peter Voice of Kalamazoo, and Jim Voice and John Voice of Grand Rapids. She is also survived by brothers Phillip (Judy) Feiger of Lake Ann and David (Sherry) Feiger of John Day, Oregon, sisters-in-laws Janell Feiger of Lake Ann, LouAnne (Bill) Diller of Holland, Michigan, and Harriet Thiel of Traverse City, as well eight nephews and four nieces.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Lee Thiel, by her infant son George William, by her parents, and by her brother Frederick Feiger.
Memorials in Carolyn's honor may be directed to the Traverse Area District Library.
At Mother's request, no funeral services are planned. An Open House will be held on Saturday, June 2, at 11 a.m. at Susan's house, 6263 Schneider Road, Kingsley, Michigan.