George Thiel

With a life that spanned times of war and times of peace, times of plenty and times of want, George Thiel lived each moment to the fullest. He was a hardworking man who was completely devoted to his family who was his greatest source of pride and joy. George was social and outgoing as well as active in the community he called home throughout the majority of his life. Never one to focus on what he had, he enjoyed being surrounded by his family and friends more than anything else. Although he will be deeply missed, George leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of his friends and loved ones.

The 1920s were primarily days of great prosperity, however, this came to an abrupt end with the crash of the stock market on October 29, 1929, which ushered in the years of the Great Depression. The hardship that followed was felt all across the nation, and the entire decade of the 1930s was defined by this harsh reality. It was just prior to this historic day that a young couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was pleased to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy on October 8th of that same year. George was the younger of two children born to his parents, Harry and Josephine Thiel, and he was raised in the family home alongside his older brother, Warren. To support their family George’s father worked as a printer while his mother was a wife, mother, and homemaker. He attended local schools and went on to graduate from Creston High School in 1947. As a young man George was eager for all that life had in store. Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the United States Army during the days of the Korean Conflict. Throughout his 18 months in the service, George was able to remain stateside.

Not to be forgotten during this time was George’s introduction to the woman who would forever hold the key to his heart. Her name was Helen, and it wasn’t long after meeting that the couple found themselves deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, George and Helen became husband and wife prior to his entering the military, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a love story that would span 64 years.

A civilian once again, George returned to Grand Rapids. Together he and Helen were blessed to welcome three children, Steve, Deb, and Kevin into their hearts and home. While growing up George had pets that were a bit unusual as he had two ducks named salt and pepper, but as a family they had a dog and a cat.

To support his family George worked at Bell Telephone and also went to school. He earned his associate’s degree and bachelor’s degree as well as a master’s degree, too. When Bell Telephone split George took an early retirement but did work a few places after that. He eventually ended up at Western Michigan University until officially retiring later in life.

In addition to working, George kept busy with other activities that he enjoyed within his community. He was active in the American Legion Post 84 for years, and he was also in the Jayco High Wheelers as well as the local Elks and Moose lodge. In addition, George and his wife attended the Presbyterian church in Plainwell. He always loved camping, and their cottage on Blue Lake was the place where they made countless memories with family and friends during the summer. George did a bit of traveling, but his favorite trip was when he went to Canada to go fishing with his son, Kevin, and friends.

Around the house George was one to keep busy. He had a huge garden for years, and he also grew grapes and made the most amazing wine. In addition, George had a small orchard and grew heirloom apples. He loved reading, especially the newspaper as he was known to sleep with the paper in his hands! George enjoyed jazz music and has been called an amateur geologist with an extensive rock collection to show for it.

George worked hard, but he played hard, too, and he enjoyed spending his free time with his friends and loved ones. George was a man of honor and integrity who served his country during a time of need. He will never be forgotten.

George Thiel, of Cooper, died on December 14, 2014, at his home. George’s family includes his wife, Helen; children, Steve (Becky), Kevin (Leanne); 12 grandchildren; and 9 great-grandchildren. George was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra, and his brother, Warren. Visit with his family and friends and view his life story film on Friday, December 19 from 10:00-11:00 at the Life Story Funeral Home, Plainwell; 120 Woodhams St. (685-5881). A funeral will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the same location. Please visit George’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can read his life story, archive a memory or photo and sign his memory book online before coming to funeral home. Memorial donations can be made to Southern Care Hospice.