Kenneth Thiel 1929-1996

THIEL, OWENS, LOHMANN, EVANS, YOUNG

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 5/23/2026 at 09:59:11

Memorial services for Kenneth H. Thiel, 67, Brian, Texas and formerly of New Liberty, will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, 1996 at Edwards Congregational church in Davenport, with the Rev. Daniel Schmicchen officiating. Burial will be in the Dixon cemetery, with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 353, Dixon.

The body has been cremated.

Mr. Thiel died Dec. 15 in Houston, following a brief battle with cancer.

The son of Harvey and Guinelda Schmidt Thiel, he was born Sept. 2, 1929 in Davenport. He married Claire Owens Sept. 2, 1974 in Las Vegas, Nev.

Mr. Thiel farmed most of his life and was the 3rd generation to work the land on the Thiel family farm in New Liberty. After the couple moved to Bryan, Texas in 1992, he was employed by Randalls Food Markets in College Station, Texas.

He was a standout pitcher at Durant high school and following graduation was recruited to play for the Chicago Cubs. He declined the invitation, preferring to devote his life to farming.

Mr. Thiel served in Germany during the Korean War.

The Thiels traveled extensively, visiting many U.S. national parts and historical sites.

With his long beard and jovial personality, Mr. Thiel played Santa Claus at schools and nursing homes, and for various events in the community.

Many people remember him as the Santa who flagged down the school bus and climbed on board to deliver presents to each student along the route.

Mr. Thiel was a member of the American Legion for 39 years, serving as past commander of Post 353 in Dixon, as a current member of Post 0159 in Bryan, Texas. He was a life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4692 in Bryan and a 39 year member of Moose Lodge No. 28 in Davenport.

He is survived by his wife; 3 daughters, Jacquelyn (Mrs. David) Lohmann, Davenport; Joanne (Mrs. Kenneth) Evans, Bella Vista, Ark.; and Janeen Young, Bryan, Texas; 7 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Justin.

Memorials may be made to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or the American Heart Association.

The Tipton Conservative and Advertiser - 25 December 1996 page 10