Melvin J. Thiel

1922 - 2011

Melvin J. Thiel, age 89, of Chilton, died on Thursday, October 20, 2011 at the Chilton Care Center in Chilton. He was born March 3, 1922 in the Town of Woodville, son of the late Matt & Jeanette (Schmidt) Thiel. He married Martha Preissner on September 25, 1945 at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Kloten. Before marriage, Melvin worked as a cheese maker at Golden Guernsey and Kolpack Creamery in Quinney. Following his marriage to Martha, they farmed together on the Preissner homestead all their married life and were blessed with 3 daughters. He was a man of strong faith who lived his love of God everyday.

Melvin was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church and the former St. Elizabeth Parish where he had been very involved in church activities. Melvin was also actively involved in many other organizations including the Chilton Eagles, Catholic Family, Catholic Knights, the Knights of Columbus, Hi-Hopes Homemakers, Holy Name Society, various card clubs, and he was a frequent Red Cross Blood Donor. Melvin was frequently seen volunteering at the Salvatorian Mission Warehouse and at other community events in the area.

In his free time, Melvin appreciated a good game of cards, wood working, growing potatoes, pumpkins, and strawberries, and piecing together countless jigsaw puzzles. He was a quiet man who led those around him by example. His kind words of encouragement, and dedication to his family were paramount; his living example of love will forever be remembered by his family. His greatest joy was visiting with family and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Melvin was truly the perfect example of a good husband, father, grandfather, farmer and man of faith.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years who he loved beyond words, Martha; 3 children: Dianna (John) Propson of Richland, WA, Betty (Allen) Halpern of Sarasota, FL, Lori (Mark) Werbeckes of Mount Horeb, WI; grandchildren: Tiffanie (Cliff) Eyre, Drew & Kim Propson, Jeremy Halpern, Jen (Chris) Curran, Nathan, Nic, & Sara Werbeckes; 5 great-grandchildren: Tirzah, Kaden, Levi, Kienan, and Talia Eyre; and his siblings: Harold (Dolores) Thiel, Alice (Ralph) Steiner, Leon (Carol) Thiel. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers: Cyril (Margaret) Thiel, Eugene Thiel, and Fr. Lloyd (Vincent) Thiel.

Funeral service will be at 11:30 AM on Monday, October 24, 2011 at Good Shepherd Catholic Church (54 E. Main St.) in Chilton. Burial will be in the St. Elizabeth Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Family Funeral Home (411 W. Main St.) in Chilton from 2:00 PM until 4:30 PM on Sunday, October 23, 2011 and on Monday at the Church from 10:00 AM until 11:15 AM. The Eagles, Knights of Columbus, and Parish Prayer services will begin Sunday afternoon at the funeral home at 4:30 PM.

Melvin's family would like to thank the staff of the Chilton Care Center, and the Calumet Medical Center for all of the excellent care that was provided; it couldn't have been better or kinder. They would also like to thank all of the many friends and relatives who visited and prayed with and for them during this trying time.

Memorials are appreciated in the name of Melvin J. Thiel for the Salvatorian Mission Warehouse (1303 Milwaukee St.) in New Holstein or the charity of the donor's choice.

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