Elaine V. Thiel

Elaine Thiel age 88 of Sturgis, died Saturday April 17, 2010 at the Edgewood Vista Retirement Home in Spearfish. The funeral service will be held 10:30 am Thursday April 22nd, 2010 at the First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, with Rev. Denzel Nonhof officiating. Visitation will be 5 to 7pm, with a 7pm prayer service, Wednesday at Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche, and one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis. A memorial will be established by the family. Elaine Virginia Wolter was born February 12, 1922 in Aberdeen, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Carl and Laura (Heidner) Wolter. Elaine grew up on the family farm located south of Aberdeen, and graduated from Aberdeen High School. Elaine received her teaching degree from the University of South Dakota. She began her teaching career in Vermillion and substitute taught in Aberdeen. On July 15th, 1945 Elaine was united in marriage to Waldon Thiel at the Evangelical United Brethren Church in Aberdeen. To this union four sons were born: Brian, Jay, Mark, and Brent. Following their marriage, Waldon and Elaine farmed near Aberdeen until 1976 when they sold the farm and moved to Sturgis. Following that move, Elaine resumed her teaching career, as a first grade school teacher in Sturgis for many years. Waldon died December 31, 2001. Since 2006, Elaine has been a resident at the Edgewood Vista Retirement Home. This became home to her in many ways. She loved the nursing staff there and her many friends and neighbors. In her younger years, Elaine was a very active member of First Presbyterian Church and the Sturgis community. She served in many positions in the church including Deacon and treasurer, and was a charter member of the Bell Choir. She was also a member of the Eastern Star, the Spring Creek Club, and an Extension Club in the Aberdeen area. Elaine was the first woman to be elected to the South Dakota Quarter Horse Association Board of Directors, an organization the entire Thiel family was involved in for many years. She also enjoyed painting, knitting, and playing cards, especially Bridge. Elaine was affectionately labeled “Mother Hubbard” by her husband years ago. She was a wonderful mother and grandmother, spending countless hours with her family. Attending her grandchildren’s events brought her great joy. Elaine learned from her mother, the importance of caring for others. She was a great role model to many in this way. Elaine’s strong faith in the Lord was evident through the way she lived her life. She will be missed very much by her children, grandchildren and her many close friends and neighbors. Grateful for having shared her life are her four sons, Brian (wife, Judith Zink) of Alexandria VA, Jay (wife, Linda) of Sioux Falls, Mark (wife, Vicky) of Belle Fourche, Brent (wife, Nancy) of Isabel; 9 grandchildren, Scott and Ryan Thiel, Skyler and Abbey Thiel, Trevor (wife, Alie) Thiel, Kerbi (husband, Ryan) Bowden, Yvette (husband, Paul) Pollock, Todd and Tyler Thiel; 2 step grandchildren, Connor and Drew Munsinger; and 3 great grandchildren, William Pollock, Rance and Koby Bowden. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ed Kniss of Long Beach CA. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Waldon Thiel; and sister, Beverly Kniss. FUNERAL SERVICE 10:30 A.M. – Thursday – April 22nd, 2010 First Presbyterian Church Sturgis, South Dakota OFFICIANT Rev. Denzel Nonhof MUSIC Pianist – Marian Eatherton Soloist – Bill Scholl “In the Garden”, “Precious Lord Take My Hand”, “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” FAMILY TRIBUTE Mark Thiel CASKETBEARERS Brian Thiel                                                           Mark Thiel Jay Thiel                                                              Brent Thiel Skyler Thiel                                                       Tyler Thiel INTERMENT Black Hills National Cemetery Sturgis, South Dakota