Randolph A Thiel

Chilton WI

Randolph A. “R.A.” Thiel, age 93, of Chilton, died on Saturday, January 23, 2016 at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Appleton, surrounded by his family. He was born January 6, 1923 in Fond du Lac, son of the late Andrew “Col. A.J.” & Florence (Bargenquast) Thiel. He married Armella M. Gerhartz on May 15, 1943 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Stockbridge.

Shortly after marriage, R.A. served in the United States Merchant Marines from 1944-1945. After completing his service, R.A. settled outside Hilbert and began raising his family and establishing himself in the family business. He was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert, VFW Post 3153 and American Legion Post 125 in Chilton, the Knights of Columbus, the National & Wisconsin Auctioneers Associations, and the Wisconsin Real Estate Association.

R.A. lived a long and storied life in which his living presence was larger than life itself. The ambition he showed and the knowledge he possessed garnered people’s admiration and respect in all he did. He held a very strong work ethic and loved every moment he spent working when he owned and operated Thiel Real Estate and Thiel & Thiel Auctions.

In his time away from work, R.A. loved to go hunting; he had an eagle eye, spotting game before everyone else and made shots no other hunter could comprehend. He also enjoyed many of the finer things in life; things like good food, good wine and good times. The best three things in his life were being married to Armella, traveling to 109 locations throughout the world with her, and working in the Auction & Real Estate Business for 58 years.

Survivors include his children: Jerry Thiel, Jack (Vicki) Thiel, Tom Thiel & his fiancée Maggie; 5 grandchildren: Dori (Tim) Duchow, Brad (Dawn) Thiel, Kendall (Cindy) Thiel, Tamara (Nick) Geiser, Miranda Thiel; 12 great grandchildren: Kale, Keaton, Ashley, Brittney, Andrew, Alisa, McKenzie, Brady, Carliann, Lukas, Bennett & Ella; 4 great-great grandchildren: Lyden, Oliver, Magnolia & Jayden; and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Lula Schoen, Ruth Gerhartz, Bernita Perry, Marvin (Phyllis) Gerhartz, Lyle (Betty) Gerhartz, Donna Commerford and Mary Jane Gerhartz. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

R.A. was preceded in death by his parents; his wife: Armella; a daughter: Jane Thiel; and a sister: Elaine (Ralph) Daul.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 am on Friday, February 5, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Hilbert with the Rev. Michael Betley officiating. Friends may call at the church from 9:00 am until 10:45 am on Friday, February 5, 2016

A memorial fund has been established in the name of Randolph A. “R.A.” Thiel.