Robert "Bob" Thiel

Robert (Bob) Allan Thiel, April 6, 1932-April 17, 2024, a son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and child of God. Bob was the life and light of any gathering and consistently brought joy to his family and friends. Born in Oak Park, IL to Harry and Gertrude Thiel, Bob grew up in Chicago, IL where he graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School. Bob, the consummate romantic, courted the love of his life throughout high school and married Carol Joy Sielaff on October 2, 1952. They were happily married for 71 years even after starting their marriage in Puerto Rico where Bob was stationed during the Korean War. Bob served in the US Army from 1952-1954. Once he was finished serving his country, Bob began a career in sales that lasted until retirement. He was a phenomenal salesman. Bob and Carol raised four children and shared in the raising of 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.
Bob was a lifelong Lutheran and continued to recite the Lord’s Prayer regularly, even through his battle with dementia for the past 17 years. Bob was very involved in each of his churches, but his passion was serving in Christian Education for young people. Bob loved to work outdoors on a beautifully manicured garden, make memorable baby quilts for his grandchildren and close friends/adopted grandchildren, celebrate his favorite holiday, Christmas, and make people laugh. He set a wonderful example for his family of loving and caring for his spouse in all that he did.
Bob’s family will miss his wit and charm, his coffee breaks with grandchildren, his great cooking and his unconditional love for each of them.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Gertrude; his brother, Harry Thiel; his amazing wife, Carol; and his beautiful daughter, Loellen Conrad. He is survived by his son-in-law, Rick Conrad; sons, Gregory (Christine) and John (Karen); daughter, Kristen (Richard) Wolfred; grandchildren, Stephanie, Douglas, Nicholas, Lindsey, Troy, Stephanie, Clark, Caroline, Kirk, Stephani, Samantha, Louis, Logan, Zachary, Sophie, Jacob, Alexander, Kristen, Jordan and Jack; great-grandchildren, Brett, Laney, Carson, Elise, Landen, Audrey, Lacey, Wayne and Harper Rae; his nieces and nephews and their families; and many, many friends.
Visitation is scheduled from 10:30 am-1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Servants of Christ Lutheran Church, 7650 Oaklandon Rd, Indianapolis. A memorial service will immediately follow at the church at 1 p.m. His burial will take place immediately following the service at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 9700 Allisonville Rd, Indianapolis, with military honors. Bob requested that no one wear black at his memorial.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Servants of Christ Lutheran Church Christian Education fund or the Alzheimer’s Association. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book below.