John E. “Buck” Thiel, 83, of Remsen, IA, died Sunday, April 14, 2019 at Floyd Valley Healthcare Hospital in LeMars, IA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Oyens, IA with Father William McCarthy officiating and Deacon Rick Roder assisting. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Remsen, IA. Graveside military honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 3328, American Legion Post 220 both of Remsen. Visitation with family present will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday. There will be a rosary by the Knights of Columbus, 4th degree Knights of Columbus chalice presentation and a vigil prayer service all at 5 p.m. at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen. Visitation will resume 9-10 a.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.
Buck was born April 9, 1936 in Remsen, the son of John “Jack” & Mary Lucille (Tracey) Thiel. He was raised and educated in Remsen and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in 1954. After high school he joined the Army Reserve. Later he joined the U.S. Army and served from March 8, 1957 until March 7, 1959. Before and after his military service he lived in Remsen, drove school bus and worked for the family business, Jack Thiel Incorporated beginning in 1954. He was known for performing ditch digging, plumbing and well work. He was also a grave digger in Remsen from 1963 and later added Granville until a car accident forced retirement in 2008.
Buck was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was an altar server as a child and a member of the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Fr. Michael J. McGivney Assembly. He also loved music. He was chased by many women but never caught.
Survivors include his brother, Bernard “Shorty” Thiel of Remsen; one sister-in-law, Mary Kay Thiel of Remsen; a niece and several nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Marion, Robert and Daniel “Butch” (Florence) Thiel, one sister-in-law, Ruth Thiel.
Casket bearers will be, Dennis Slota, Danny Steward, Chris, Matt, Mitch and Andy Thiel.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery or St. Mary’ Church Interior Project
P. O. Box 509, Remsen, IA.