Leonard F. Thiel

Leonard F. Thiel

91, of Indianapolis, died November 3rd. He was born August 16, 1924 to the late Leonard B. and Catherine (Blackburn) Thiel.

Leonard enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Cathedral High School. During that time, he was part of the distinguished V-12 program, the largest Navy officer training program of WWII. During this time, he attended John Carroll University and the University of Notre Dame, graduating as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy. As a veteran, he served in World War II, the Korean War and the Navy Reserves for 19 years retiring in 1961 with the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also earned his undergraduate degree from Butler University. Len spent 34 years working for the Indiana Bell Telephone Co. (now AT&T), retiring in 1982.

He was a member of St. Pius X Church, American Legion Robt. E. Kennington Post 34, the Telephone Pioneers of America and Butler University Board of Trustees Alumni Association.

He is survived by his wife Joan of 61 years, three daughters, Dianne (Wally) Dixon, Carolyn Land and Amy (Tom) Hutsell, and two sons, John and Joseph (Chris), 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchild. Two sons, Gerard and Michael preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 6th from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St Pius X Catholic Church, 7200 Sarto Drive. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 2pm at the Church, with viewing one hour before service. Burial to follow at Our Lady of Peace cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675 (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or Society of St. Vincent DePaul, 3001 East 30th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46218 (www.svdpindy,org)