David Thiele

1938 - 2025

David was born on August 11, 1938 in St. Louis, Missouri and was the son of Norville Thiele and Mary Lou Sharp. His paternal grandparents, May and Dayton Thiele of Fredericktown, Missouri, played a significant role in his upbringing.

As a teenager, he played the piano at the First Presbyterian Church of Fredericktown. David graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1956 and Missouri Valley College in 1960. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity. He earned a Master's of Music at University of Missouri, Columbia in 1968.

David met his beloved wife of 65 years, Judy Cook, at church in Fredericktown and the two were married in 1960.

David's investment in Christian service was exemplary: he became an elder at a young age while the family lived in Flat River, MO. While in Mattoon, IL, David served at the First Presbyterian Church as an elder, choir member, Sunday school teacher, and on various committees of Christian Education as well as the Kemmerer Village Board.

David taught music at several schools in Missouri, then transitioned to his longstanding career as a Band Director in Mattoon Community Schools, Mattoon, IL, where he taught band at Central Junior High School and then Elementary band prior to his retirement from teaching in 1996.

He will be remembered for his generous nature, positive outlook, and inspiring attitude toward life. David ran to the loving arms of Jesus on August 27, 2025.

David is survived by his cherished wife, Judy Cook Thiele, along with his daughters and their spouses: Deborah McQuay (Kam) of Carmel, IN; Davi Kiley (Bill) of Plainfield, IN; and Heather Harris (Wes) of Plainfield, IN. Grandchildren Kendall McQuay (Mackenzie), Morgan Dyck (John), David Cole Stein, Rachel Harris, Anderson Harris, Juliana Harris, and Trey Harris. Great Grandson, Liam McQuay. Extended family includes his sister Judy Becker (Ted) and brother Deral Thiele (Brenda), and many other relatives in southeastern Missouri.