John E Thiel

John E. Thiel

June 15, 1954 ~ July 12, 2020

Age ~ 66

John E. Thiel, age 66 of Rhinelander, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2020 at Ascension St. Clare’s Hospital in Weston, Wisconsin.

John was born on June 15, 1954, in Chicago, Illinois at Resurrection Hospital. He grew up in Wheeling, Illinois and was a 1972 graduate of St. Viator’s High School. John was united in marriage to Rita Hack on July 14, 1989 in St. Louis, Missouri. He earned an Associates Degree in Electronics from St. Louis Community College. John was employed in the computer industry in St. Louis until moving to Rhinelander in 2002. He was employed at Office Max and the Rhinelander Public Library.

He will be remembered as an experienced model builder, expert miniature artist, as well as for the love he had for his wife and his pet dogs. John was also an expert historian on WWII military vehicles.

He is survived by his loving wife, Rita E. Thiel; and his mother, June Thiel both of Rhinelander; sister, Laurel (Stephen) Thiel Decker of Clinton, Iowa; brother, Joseph (Christal) Thiel of Bettendorf, Iowa; and by two nieces, Brenna Decker and Marissa (Ryan) Decker Adam.

John is preceded in death by his father, John A. Thiel.

The visitation for John will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Hildebrand Funeral Home. For the health and safety of the grieving family and guests, masks will be required, and social distancing measures will be used. To enter the funeral home, please use the Davenport Street entrance, and kindly exit using the Pelham Street doors.