William Dean "Bill" Thanel

William "Bill" Dean Thanel, 80, of Brady, died May 11, 2011, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
He was born on Jan. 8, 1931, at Gothenburg to Minnie Alice Meyer Thanel and William Thanel. He attended grade school and high school in Brady, just a few blocks from his home, graduating in 1949. He was part of the football team that won the 1949 Class D State Championship.
He worked with his Dad at the Texaco Station until he entered the United States Army on Jan. 25, 1952. He was stationed in Korea with the 256th Panel Bridge Company, 8th Army. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal. On June 30, 1953, he was medical disability retired. He was proud to have served in the Army and kept in contact with men he served with. In 1953, he resumed working at Thanel Service and later became the owner.
On Jan. 9, 1961, he married Bonnie McClellen Nelson and had resided on their farm south of Brady since that time. He enjoyed being with his family and teaching his grandson, Jayden, how to use various tools and how to make diamond willow canes.
He loved animals and although he was partial to golden retriever dogs, he rescued a basset hound that he took to work with him for 14 years. He enjoyed Cushman scooters and classic cars and looked forward to meeting with friends for coffee each morning.
He was a life member of the American Legion and VFW and was a member of Eagles Aerie No. 2839 for over 50 years.
Surviving are wife, Bonnie, of Brady; three sons, Alan Nelson, of Sacramento, Calif.; Michael (Gina) Nelson, of Danville, Calif.; William (Brenda) Thanel III, of Derby, Kan.; grandson, Jayden William Thanel, of Derby, Kan.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents William and Minnie Thanel; and an infant daughter, Lori LaRue Thanel.
Memorials are suggested to the Brady United Methodist Church Brady, NE 69123 or the Brady Fire and Rescue, 207 East Commercial, Brady, NE 69123
Services will be at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 16, at Brady United Methodist Church with the Rev. Janie Freeman officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE with full military honors.
Friends will be received at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, from 1-8 p.m., today. To sign the online guest book, go to blasestrauser.com