Richard L. “Rick” Thiel: 1951 – 2008
Richard L. “Rick” Thiel, 56, a resident of Fort Wayne, died at 5:07 p. m. on Friday, May 2, 2008, at the family residence in Eel River Township. He had been in declining health since October.
Mr. Thiel was born in Fort Wayne on July 31, 1951, a son of Lewis and Valera (Lohman) Thiel. He spent his formative years in Fort Wayne, and graduated from Northside High School in 1969.
On October 13, 1979 he was married in Huntertown to Betty J. “BJ” Dazey, and spent his married life in Fort Wayne. He was employed as a locomotive engineer for Norfolk & Southern Railroad for 37 years.
He was a member of St. Joseph United Methodist Church in Fort Wayne, and in his leisure time enjoyed Indiana University basketball, Indianapolis Colts football, and most especially loved spending time with his beloved family.
The surviving relatives include his wife Betty “BJ” Thiel; his son Eric Thiel of Kingman, Ariz; his daughter Erin (Rob) Niman of Fort Wayne; two sisters Sara (Dick) Conrow of Churubusco and Becky (life partner Gwen Ostrander) Shedd of LaOtto; three brothers Dan (Mary) Thiel of Garrett, Jon (Margaret) Thiel of Auburn, and Dave (Barbara) Thiel of Garrett; grandchildren Robby Niman, Wesley Niman, Braylon J. Niman, and Parker Lynn Niman; and several nieces and nephews.
His parents preceded him in death.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a. m. Tuesday at the St. Joseph United Methodist Church, 6004 Reed Road, with Pastor Russ Abel, officiating.
The family will receive friends at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco on Monday from 2 to 8 p. m., or at the church after 9 a. m. Tuesday.
Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery, Allen County.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Parkview Home Health & Hospice, 2270 Lake Avenue, #200, Fort Wayne, IN 46805.
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To leave a condolence for the family in Mr. Thiel’s memory, please click on “Condolences” below. . .
May 4th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
God Bless you work. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. You were a great person and loved and cared for everyone. You will be missed
May 5th, 2008 at 9:24 am
Sarah,
I worked Saturday night and was shocked and so sorry to see your brother’s obituary in our Sunday editions.
I know you’ve been going through some rough and emotional times the past few months.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Viv Sade Rosswurm
May 5th, 2008 at 10:41 pm
We have only known you for a short time but your kindness and friendship will always be treasured.
Rick,Rest in Peace. BJ & family, may our gracious Lord comfort you with precious memories.
Sunny Lane friends.
May 6th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Please accept my condolences in the loss of your loved one. Something I was told when I lost my Mother 2 years ago made the grieving process a bit more comfortable. “When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.”
May your family find peace and comfort in knowing that Richard is now walking with Christ, and is embraced in the arms of God’s love and healing.
Peace be with you, Jon.
With sincere respect,
Special Deputy C. Lake
Allen County Sheriff’s Dept.
Chief, Fire Arson Specialized Team
Allen County, Indiana
May 6th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Betty Jo,
Mike and I are so sorry to hear about Rick. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. Mike is currently in Iraq for his second tour of duty but sends his prayers to you.
We love you.
Mike and Nancy Clouse
May 6th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
The Worship Service, today, at St Joseph United Methodist Church “In Celebration Of “RICK” was
so special and uplifing.
May 9th, 2008 at 7:43 am
Betty Jo,
I was so sorry to learn about the loss of your husband, Rick. Please accept my sincere sympathy and know that I’m praying for you and your family.
Jane (Winebrenner) Stroup
May 13th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Rick’s Family :
We are so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing.
Dave worked with him on the railroad. Memories will soon replace the saddness of today. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Dave & Myra