Obituaries
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Donald L. Thiel
Jan. 5, 1933 - May 2, 2026 - Hilbert, WI
Funeral Service
Friday, May 15, 2026
11:00 am
N7684 Co. Rd. BB
Hilbert, WI 54129
Funeral Visitation
Thursday, May 14, 2026
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
411 W Main St.
Chilton, WI
Funeral Visitation
Friday, May 15, 2026
9:00 am - 10:45 am
N7684 Co. Rd. BB
Hilbert, WI 54129
Burial Service
Friday, May 15, 2026
12:00 pm
Co. Rd. BB
Hilbert, WI 54129
Vigil Prayers
Thursday, May 14, 2026
7:30 pm
411 W. Main St.
Chilton, WI 53014
Donald L. Thiel
Hilbert WI
With love and remembrance, we celebrate the life of Donald L. Thiel, age 93, who passed away on Saturday, May 2, 2026. He was born on January 5, 1933, in Hilbert, Wisconsin to Alfred and Hildegarde (Coonen) Thiel. Donald lived a life filled with faith, love, and dedication to his family.
He attended Hilbert High School and graduated with the Class of 1951. On May 17, 1955, he married his high school sweetheart, Lois Ertl, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sherwood, Wisconsin. Together they raised 12 children.
Donald was an exceptionally hard worker in all aspects of his life. As a young boy, he worked diligently on his family’s farm, inspiring him and Lois to acquire their own farm. Donald enjoyed every facet of farming, especially time spent in the fields planting and harvesting crops, driving his tractors, baling hay, combining, milking cows, and caring for animals. He worked as a carpenter at Hemauer Lumber Company and used those valuable skills at home and on the farm. He also served as a substitute mail carrier on the rural Hilbert route for the US Postal Service.
Donald and Lois owned and operated an independent insurance agency, Donald L. Thiel Insurance Services, LTD., for over 57 years. They worked together serving generations of families, building lifelong relationships throughout Wisconsin. Donald’s dedication earned him prestigious awards and recognition for outstanding service. His positive energy, integrity, and genuine love of people were enjoyed by anyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
With his life grounded in the Catholic faith, Donald was an active parishioner of the St. John - Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and served as a Trustee, a member of the Holy Name Society, and dedicated usher at Mass.
As a 75-year member of the Knights of Columbus, he was elected to the leadership position of Grand Knight, became a prestigious 4th degree (Sir Knight) member, and was also honored with the Family of the Month Award. His leadership extended to his role as board member for the local Stockbridge and Sherwood Telephone Company.
As well-known by many, Donald’s love for baseball was nurtured at an early age. He was an exceptional baseball player in high school and in the Hilbert AC Club Baseball League. Donald earned a legendary reputation as a powerful home run hitter. He loved the game. He rarely missed a televised Milwaukee Brewers game and was a loyal fan of the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks. Donald enjoyed countless sporting and musical events for his children and grandchildren with unwavering support. He would also take advantage of every opportunity to play sheepshead, listen to polkas, and share a good joke.
Donald was dedicated and resilient, working tirelessly throughout his life to provide for his family. His steadfast commitment, strong work ethic, and wonderful sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.
He is survived by Lois, his loving wife of over 70 years and their twelve children: Richard (Linda), Nancy (Dennis) Gruett, Jean (Greg) Pethan, Terry (Mary Anne), James, Amy, Scott (partner Dawn), Tammy (John) Anderson, Todd (Jane), Brenda (Jesse) Schneider, Jenny, and Michael (Maria).
He is further survived by his sister, Carol Kloeppel, and grandchildren Tracy (John), Lisa (Mike), Matt (Jessica), Marc (Courtney), Chad (Aga), Tricia (Mike), Andy (Kirsten), Tom (Laura), Alaina, Elizabeth (special friend Dan), Johnathon (special friend Kristin), Stefanie (Tyler), Kelly (Matt), Heather (Jedidiah), Amber (Dan), Brandon, Alexis (fiancé Sam), Jacquelyn, Kelly, Gabriel, Jackson, Allison, Emily, Trey, 30 great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Mary Ertl, his brothers and sister-in-law Daniel (Joanne) Thiel, Marvin Thiel, and Arlin Thiel, and sister and brothers-in-law Doris (Roland) Stommel and Roger Kloeppel, and in-laws Cletus (Eunice) Ertl, Wilbur (Marion) Ertl, Donald (Dorothy) Ertl, and Joan (Donald) Sielaff, godchildren Paul Stommel, William Ertl, and Stanley Thiel, great grandchild Isaac, and several nieces and nephews.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (N7684 County Hwy BB) in St. John with Rev. Michael Betley officiating. Burial will follow in the Parish cemetery. Friends may call at the Wieting Funeral Home (411 W. Main Street) in Chilton on Thursday, May 14, from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and Friday, May 15, from 9:00 a.m. -10:45 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a special part in Donald’s life.
Condolences
Our deepest sympathies to Lois and all the family. Don was such a friendly guy and had great stories to tell. You always felt better after talking to him. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jeff and Kathy Deeley (Friends) 2026-05-15 06:32:24
Condolences Todd Thiel and family for the loss of your father Don Thiel. We just learned of Don's passing this morning. You are in our prayers.
Kevin & Yolanda (Friends) 2026-05-14 13:31:57
Loved Dons sence of humor, should I laugh or br serious?? We reupholstered many pieces for Don and Lois. You will be missed. Sending prayers and love..
Dino and Ellie Papendieck (Friends ) 2026-05-12 18:33:04
Sorry about your loss Scott and the rest of the family. He was a great man. Always liked talking with him and teasing each other. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Chuck DuPrey (Good friend of Scott and friend of family ) 2026-05-11 11:50:19
When I was a teenage I had the privilege of working with Don at my dad's lumbar yard in Stockbridge. We made the prefab wall panels for the Chicago White Sox boys camp. Don was a real go-getter with a contagious laugh. My sympathy to his family and friends.
Paul Hemauer (Hemauer Lumber) (Family friend and coworker ) 2026-05-11 10:29:05
He was a great man He helped me to find all the people on my route. He will be missed Our prayers go Out to your family
Squeak Gremminger (UPS Driver for 25 years) 2026-05-10 16:23:25
He was a great man He helped me to find all the people on my route. He will be missed Our prayers go Out to your family
Squeak Gremminger (UPS Driver for 25 years) 2026-05-10 16:20:38
So sorry to hear of Donnie's passing. Tom had insurance with him forever. Always a pleAlways enjoyed taking to him.
Tom & Betty Ruppenthal (Friend) 2026-05-09 15:30:46
Was so sorry to hear about Donnie. Always had a great time with him when we were by Brenda and Jesse celebrating the grandkids birthdays and graduations. He always had a smile and laugh. Like playing cards with him. Always took him split pea soup before he couldn't have it anymore. He will be missed. Paula and Harry Schneider (friends and shared grandkids)
Paula & Harry Schneider (Friends) 2026-05-09 11:55:27
Our condolences to the Thiel family. Don was a fun guy, always a smile and a good story, A real good BS'r !
Marlene(Thiel) and Frank Schneider (friend & relative) 2026-05-09 09:38:16
I’m so sad to hear of Donnie passing. I remember him fondly. His contagious laugher lite the room up. Now he’ll be with Gary and they can reminisce. Peace and hope, Brenda Ertl ( Gary)
Brenda Ertl (Niece-in-law) 2026-05-09 09:26:36
Mr Thiel was my first insurance man. My parents said ‘This is the man to trust’, and of course they were right. Mr. Thiel was a man above men in his field. His positive energy and integrity will be missed. To the family: we are so sorry for your loss.
Mary Bushke (Admirer ) 2026-05-08 07:31:48
I answered the door one evening and Donnie Thiel came in. I was about 7 years old. I think he brought an insurance policy. I yelled to my dad that "Bing Crosby" is here!!!! Your family has our sympathy.
Jo Anne Juckem (Family friend) 2026-05-07 19:32:05
As others when we moved to Hilbert in 1960 and turned 16 I had my auto policy with Don! A good faithful man. May you rest in peace. Jim Uhlenbrauck
Jim Uhlenbrauck (Friend) 2026-05-06 19:20:39
We send our sympathy to Lois and Donnie's family. I spent many nights on the couch waiting for Donnie and Lois to come back from a wedding. I babysat for the first 5 kids for about 2 years. One evening I "lost" Jimmy. I called my parents to help locate him. The older kids were no help. They just giggled when I begged for help. Finally I found Jimmy in their L shaped bedroom closet, covered up with his blankie and sleeping. The kids laughed, I cried. When Donnie got home, he could not stop laughing. Always exciting adventures at the Thiel house. Carolyn and Paul Kees
Carolyn Kleinhans Kees, Paul Kees (Neighbor, babysitter for the first 5 kids) 2026-05-06 15:13:43
My condolences to the Thiel Family, Donny was my 1st Insurance agent, Thank for everything you did Rest in peace
Tom Richart (Friend) 2026-05-06 08:09:02
You have my condolences praying for Loli and all family members
Millie Heimann (Friend to family members) 2026-05-05 19:31:20
So sorry to hear about Mr T. The man had great energy and a knack for making me chuckle. You just dont meet "Don Thiel's" anymore. Rest well Mr T.
Dan McEnerney (Friend) 2026-05-05 18:22:38
Feel like I have known Don my whole life. My insurance man since I started driving a car. Many visits to the farm. A great man
Mark Preissner (Parishioner and his client ) 2026-05-05 15:49:12
So sorry for your loss ! Prayers
Cheryl Eickert Bauch (Friend) 2026-05-05 14:09:57
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