Obituary
Howard William Thiel
Howard William Thiel passed away on Thursday, March 20, at Hillview Health Care Center.
He was born June 12, 1930, in La Crosse, to Elmer and Vera (Brandenburg) Thiel.
Howard graduated from Central High School and served in the U. S. Army at Fort Hood, Texas. On Dec. 29, 1950, he married Rose Marie Seemann. In January 1954, they returned to La Crosse, and Howard was employed by Seemann Lumber Company managing lumberyards in Sparta and La Crosse. In 1971 he was employed by companies involved in the construction trades until retiring in 1989.
He was a member of Faith United Methodist Church and St. Luke’s United Methodist Church in La Crosse. Howard joined the Kiwanis Clubs of Sparta and La Crosse, serving as Lieutenant Governor in 2000-2001; was a member of Onalaska Masonic Lodge; La Crosse American Legion Post 52 and volunteered for 17 years at Gundersen Health System.
Howard is survived by his beloved wife, Rose Marie; daughter Barbara Thiel, La Crosse; sons Jeffrey (Ann) Thiel of Laguna Niguel, CA; and John (Betty) Thiel, Onalaska; four grandchildren, David Thiel (fiancé Candice Seubert), La Crosse; Meg (Timothy) Ford, Mission Viejo, CA; Sara Thiel, Laguna Niguel, CA; and Kari Thiel (fiancé Bennett Chrisinger), Holmen; and three great-grandchildren, Hailee Elizabeth Thiel, Elizabeth Rosemarie Ford and Adam Howard Ford; and brother-in-law Emery Seemann, Sarasota, FL
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother and sister-in-law Gordon and Alice Thiel.
A celebration of Howard’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at the St. Luke’s campus of the United Methodist Church, 1022 Caledonia Street, La Crosse. The Rev. Scott McMurray will officiate, and burial will be at Arlington Public Cemetery, Arlington, MN on April 28. Family and friends may call from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memorials may be given to Gundersen Health System Foundation or to La Crosse Kiwanis Club. Our family extends their grateful appreciation to the staff at Hillview Health Care Center for their loving care and support.
Barbara & Family- So sorry to hear about your great loss. May all the happy memories of your father be with you during this difficult time. May peace be with you all.
Bonnie Taylor
My thoughts and prayers are with you and family,I know this has not been an easy few years for you all, The boys and
I have laid Bud to rest this week so I know how you feel.
I know our families have lots of happy times to get us
through the days ahead. Take care and keep in touch.
Love and Prayers . Mary
Rosie and family,
Please accept my thoughts and prayers on Howard’s death. He was so kind and helpful toward my dad Reimer Moe while you all lived in the condo.
Andrea Moe Thurman