- Gilbert P. Thiel, 92, Winneconne, died peacefully on Nov. 13, 2009, at the Omro Care Center. He was born June 12, 1917, in the Town of Woodville, Calumet County, Wis.
Gilbert was a World War II veteran, having served with the 1st Infantry, the Big Red One. He made first landings at North Africa, Sicily and Omaha Beach in Normandy, France. Gilbert was awarded the Silver Star for his heroic action of single-handedly shooting down a plane at Kasserine Pass, North Africa.
In 1947, he married the former Hazel Jones, his "Miss England" at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, St John in Calumet County. The couple met while Gilbert was stationed in England.
Gilbert was a 1935 graduate of Hilbert High School and graduated from Actual Business College, Appleton, in 1937. In high school, he was the only student driving to school and took pleasure in riding the teachers around town during noon hour. Gilbert was known for his exceptional mathematical and scientific abilities. He had one of the first permits for solar energy in Wisconsin. Gilbert built an early example of a snowmobile, as well as several boats, including an inboard cabin cruiser. He was a charter member of the Winneconne Knights of Columbus and was a 4th degree member. He was member of the American Legion and was past commander of the Sherwood American Legion. Gilbert was a member of St Mary Catholic Church, Winneconne, and served as an usher.
By trade he was an electrician employed by Langstadt Electric in Neenah for 24 years and later supervised major electrical construction projects throughout the state until he retired. Gilbert was member of the IBEW 577 serving as financial secretary and a member of the executive board.
He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed playing cards, traveling, tinkering in the garage and dancing. He won many dancing contests, especially for the fox trot. Before moving to the Winneconne area in 1977, he lived in Sherwood, Wis.
Gilbert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Hazel; a son, Martin (Julie) Thiel, Green Bay; daughters, Paula (Lee) Birkholz, Appleton; Susanne Thiel McGovern, Madison; Jolene (Steve) Lager, Minnesota; Janet Boucher, De Pere; Lisa Thiel, California; Renee (Wayne) Morgan, Oshkosh; his sister, Sally Thelen, Manitowoc; sister-in-law, Chris Day, Cornwall, England; 12 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, one step-grandchild; and special family friends, Brandy Fish and Charlie White.
Preceding him in death were his parents, Joseph and Mary (Lauer) Thiel; son, John; brother, Alex; sisters, Verona Jenny, Walberga "Bob" Mueller, Del Herbeck, Laura Nash, MaryAnn Foxgrover and Sr. Rita Thiel; seven brothers-in-law, one sister-in-law, one son-in-law and one daughter-in-law.
A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, 210 Pleasant Dr., Winneconne, with the Rev. Jason Blahnik and Sharon Baker officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the St. Thomas Cemetery, Town of Poygan. A Visitation for family and friends will be on Wednesday at the church from 9 to 10:45 a.m. at which time a Knights of Columbus Service will be held.
Mueller Funeral Home
904 E. Main St.
P.O. Box 250
Winneconne, WI 54986
(920) 582-4242
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1917 - 2009 (92 years)
1930 Census
