Donna Thiel Obituary

Former Anchorage resident Donna Jane Thiel, 84, died Nov. 18, 2008, at her home in Salem, Ore.
A memorial service will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church, Marion and Cottage streets, in Salem.
Donna Jane Thiel was born Dec. 4, 1923, in Broken Bow, Neb. Her parents, Sid and LeNore Van Dyke, were farmers. Dust Bowl days caused the family to relocate in Oregon in 1937. Donna attended schools in Rickreall, Monmouth and Pedee, where she graduated in the spring of 1942.
In the summer of 1942, she went to Seattle to work at Boeing Aircraft as a Rosie the Riveter, putting rivets in B-17s (Flying Fortress.)
On Dec. 5, 1942, at her parents' home in Salem, Donna married Warren A. Thiel, her one and only love. Warren was in the Coast Guard and his duties took them to Seattle, Aberdeen and Copalis Beach, Wash. At the end of World War II, they moved to Salem. Five wonderful children joined the family through the years and were always cherished by their parents. In June 1978, Warren crossed into Heaven after a long illness. He continues to be missed.
Donna never tired of volunteering at school and at church. When the kids were older, she did house work in homes and later worked at Willamette University. For one year, Donna was assistant manager and activities director in a Salem retirement home. In 1981, she was challenged by an opportunity to work in child care in Bethel, a job she loved for two years. After a few months back in Oregon, she returned to Alaska and worked a variety of jobs in Anchorage until landing one at Anchorage Pioneers Home in activities, adding much to the residents' quality of life. She retired in 1990. In 1999, after 18 years living in Alaska, Donna returned to Salem to be closer to family.
Elder hostels and other travel brought much pleasure. Volunteering was very important to her, lately reading to "shut-ins" and having singalongs with her mountain dulcimer. Writing, especially poetry, gave her creativity an outlet. Faith in God never wavered. Time with family and close friends took top billing always.
Survivors include five children, David (Arleta) in Norwalk, Conn.; Mick in Pedee, Ore.; LaDonna Joy in St. Helens, Ore.; Ken (Nancy) in Mercer Island, Wash.; Noel (Chris) in Dallas, Ore.; 12 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, Donna requested that memorials be made to a program that prevents child abuse.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Anchorage Daily News from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Donna Thiel

13 Entries

Laurie Eck (Fietz)

November 28, 2008

To Donna's Family,
Donna was my saving grace thru-out high school as youth leader at Keizer Christian Church. She kept me focused & grounded. I really feel if not for her love & guidance...I would not be the person I am today. She was the world to me, I will miss her presence. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful lady with the rest of us. We are all blessed to have known her.

Jim Stephens

November 25, 2008

Your mother was a long time friend and about as close to being family to me and my family as is possible. But I know I cannot claim that distinction alone, as Donna had endeared herself to families all over America.

My own daughters have called her Grandma Donna since the mid 80's. It is hard to believe that just about three weeks ago she called me to tell me about the results of the final test she had taken to try and find out why she was short of breath. And now she has gone on to the place that she was looking forward to.

She has finished her race and has won the prize of eternity with our heavenly Father.

I am sorry I will not be able to attend her memorial in Salem or in Anchorage as I am on n extended road trip and am in Delaware at the moment.

You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers on Tuesday and the rest of the year as you remember and celebrate Donna's long and adventurous life.

Catherine "Bucky" Dennerlein

November 24, 2008

Thank you for sharing the news of Donna's passing. I'm one of many who will miss her. Donna and I corresponded via email after she left Anchorage and we moved to Grants Pass, OR 3 years ago. We were privileged to have Donna in our lives through her and mother, Pat Dennerlein becoming close friends about 15 years ago in Anchorage. She opened up Pat's world after she was widowed and they traveled together and visited as often as they could after Donna moved back to Salem. We got to visit Donna at her trailer, then at her old house where she was truly "at home". She talked with me about getting along with family and getting past the judgments that can get in the way of loving relationships. She offered me good advice and was so kind. I'm glad that she is not suffering and is now in her "true home". Love, Bucky Dennerlein

Jacqueline Waters

November 24, 2008

To the Donna Thiel Children,
I met Donna when she, with Noel to help her move, came to rent an apartment in Anchorage that my husband and I were managers of. Many blessing came to me when Donna chose to live in the apartment above ours. You’ve all heard of horse whisperers, but did you know that your mother was a baby whisperer? It’s true. My son was born during the time your mom lived upstairs. She worked her magic often. She became “Grandma Donna” to my daughter and son and they ADORED her! I’ll never forget “I see the Moon” that she sang to my children. After moving, we kept in touch through emails—forwards and the occasional “catching up” email, and her Christmas letter. The love she held for her family, for each of her children, was always evident. I’ll miss hearing how you all are doing. God’s Peace,

Scott Hildreth

November 23, 2008

My condolences to the Theil Family. I remember your mother when she took care of Clay & Charmane Lundy's children in Bethel Alaska, as I was just a teen at the time. She was such a sweet lady.
May she rest in peace.

Julie Whitlock

November 22, 2008

Donna came into our lives through a breakfast Bible study. Those breakfasts at Elmer's in Anchorage were a special part of the week for all of us for a number of years. How I admired her spirit, her determination to do things, to better herself and the world. Although we had not seen each other for years I always felt her presence and will miss her yearly Christmas letter.

Pat and Nancy Walsh

November 22, 2008

We have been blessed to have known Donna and her family for a number of years. She is truely one of the most loving, tender hearted women God has ever created. There is a spot in my heart where she has a place of honor next to my own mom and dad.

Stacy

November 22, 2008

Dear Theil Family,
I knew Donna through taking very gently care of her at Sunnyside Care Center. She was absolutly one of my most loved patients. She was a wonderful woman and it deeply sadden my heart to read she had passed. I am truely sorry for your lose. I just adored her. Thank you Donna for sharing that small piece of your life with me. I will always remember YOU!

Guy and Sheryl Aydelott

November 22, 2008

Donna continues to be an influence on our lives even though she has passed from life to life. What a totally significant life she led.

Jeroen Laport

November 21, 2008

Dear people,
To have known Donna was on honor to me. During the little time I have spent with Donna I learned that she was a fantastic person with a unique personality. Her ability to reach out to people in need was extremely helpful and appreciated by many. Donna has left a remarkable footprint on many hearts while she remained modest. Her enormous trust in God radiated from her soul. Although she will be missed it is good to know that she is in a peaceful place and wil continue to watch over us.

Marilyn Savage-Fine

November 21, 2008

Dear Thiel family,
Your Mom was a very precious lady who has been in my life since I was a very little girl. My big brothers and I grew up with all of you and my Daddy, Ernie Savage, proclaimed Donna a saint long before you became one. Much love and God's blessing on you at this time.

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