Helen Louise Thiel 1934-2010

WEBER, THIEL

Posted By: Connie Swearingen-Volunteer (email)
Date: 1/21/2013 at 13:59:24

Mapleton Press
9 December 2010

Helen Louise Thiel, 76

On Thanksgiving morning, November 25, 2010 Helen Louise (Weber) Thiel died peacefully due to complications from a sudden and massive stroke.

She died,at her home, surrounded by the love of her husband and her children, who had kept an around the clock vigil at her bedside since she suffered the stroke on Tuesday, November 16.

Helen was born February 20, 1934 to Anna and John Weber in Danbury, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm, and developed a strong work ethic common in many Midwest farm families. After graduating from Danbury Catholic High School, she was employed as a telephone operator for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Mapleton.

Helen learned to overcome adversity during difficult economic times, she learned of the pain of loss of parents and siblings, and she treasured the special bond of a close-knit and loving family. She understood well the rewards of strong relationships with the people in her life, and had no use of great material wealth.

Helen met and married the love of her life, Thomas Thiel in May 1960. In 1966, the couple moved to Renton, where they provided a nurturing and loving home to their six children: Kevin (Paula) of Seattle, Lynne (David) of Issaquah, Todd (Donna) of Kent, Tim of Maple Valley, Jeff (Jennifer) of Kent, and Amy (Patrick) of Culver City, California.

Helen is preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, Raymond, James, Donald, and, her sisters Mary Ann, Lois, and Martha. She is survived by her brothers Leo and Vernal and by her sisters Irma Sokolowski, Carol Barkley, and Alice Weber. She is also survived by her husband and children, and her eleven grandchildren: Megan, Bobby and Kaylene Thiel, Davis and Isabel Leigh, Ali and Daniel Thiel, Arianna and Michaela Todd, and Ada and Arlo Meighan-Thiel.

Helen volunteered her time on various PTA functions, and at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church. She was devout in her faith in God, and was especially dedicated to our Lord's Mother Mary. Among her many joys in life, none was more treasured than a meal shared with good friends and family. She was preparing her shopping list for her favorite holiday, Thanksgiving, when she suffered her stroke. Her family will forever be thankful for having Helen as a part of their lives, and she will be greatly missed.

A Rosary Service is scheduled for Monday November 29, at 7:30 p.m., and Funeral Mass is scheduled Tuesday, November 30, at 11:00 both at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church in Renton.

The family suggests a donation to Catholic Community Services or a favorite charity in Helen's memory.