Michael A. Thiel

At 5:49 a.m., on August 8, 2022, a band of angels, dressed in U.S. Marine Corps Dress Blues, carried Michael A. Thiel, upward, leaving only a jet trail.  These angels have been called many times before, but were turned away, because Michael stated, “I’m not ready yet.”

Michael was born on December 1, 1950, in Terre Haute, Indiana to Frances J. Thiel and Rose Thiel (Dillon).  He is survived by daughter Angie Thiel, granddaughters Lindsay Myers, Chasity Dunn, and great-granddaughters Braylon Wagle and Jaycie Rector, brothers William P. Thiel (Susan), John C. Thiel (Annette), sister Linda Booth, sister-in-law Sheila Thiel, his faithful dog Ruby, along with countless nieces and nephews.  One nephew especially, J.R. Lydick, who was like a brother and son.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Joseph, Greggory, Lawrence, and sister Virginia Raley.

Michael was a fun loving, generous, stout-hearted, fearless individual.  He loved hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, playing euchre, poker, and watching sports.

Michael worked as a computer programmer at Columbia Records, bartender, and worked construction as a union carpenter for over twenty years.  Michael was a member of the VFW in West Terre Haute, the American Legion in West Terre Haute, the Young Men’s Club in West Terre Haute, the Marine Corps League, and St. Benedicts Catholic Church.

Michael spent his high school graduation party in Vietnam as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps, where, while leading his unit on point, tripped a booby trap, breaking his leg in thirteen places and filling his body with shrapnel.  Michael spent six months in Great Lakes Naval Hospital, where the medical team advised amputating his wounded leg.  He insisted that his leg not be removed.  Michael received a Purple Heart for his service in combat.  Later in life, he said he wished he’d let them remove the leg. In the last fifty plus years, Michael’s leg, broken in thirteen places, has been re-broken and reset three times.  Along with these surgeries, and due to Agent Orange, Michael fought cancer, which finally took him.

Per Michael’s request, cremation and interment of ashes will be at the Catholic Cemetery at St. Aloysius, North Arm, in Paris, Illinois.  There will be no visitation.  Burial and celebration of life will be held at a later date.  Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.

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