Edward J. Thiel
1932-2023
Edward J. Thiel, 91, from the town of Westboro, passed away Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023.
A small private family service was held at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford, with Father Patrick McConnell officiating.
Edward was born on June 6, 1932 to John & Mary Thiel of Calamus, Iowa.
Edward and his older brother James grew up on the family farm in Iowa.
In 1956 Edward married Virgen Kaczinski, they were dairy farmers in Calamus, Iowa. In 1971 Edward and Virgen moved to central Wisconsin where they bought a dairy farm in Little Black. Ed & Virgen ran a nice size dairy farm milking approx. 65 head of Holsten cattle, and farming approx. 300 acres of land. Ed also sold Vigertone Feed to improve herd health to local and near by farmers. He also raised Lacome Swine for a few years. Edward loved truck and tractor pulls, during the summer months you could always find him at Dorchester Days, Colby Cheese days, and a few times down at Tomah & Neillsville. He also enjoyed stock car races & snowmobile races. Ed loved the need for speed! AKA Fast Eddie!
Edward and Virgen had two children, Heidi (Thomas) Apfelbeck of Westboro, and Todd (Shizue) Thiel of Birchwood.
In 2003 Edward married Sarah Peterson, they resided in Rib Lake. During this time Edward & Sarah started a Lawn Mowing and snow plowing business which they ran together until health circumstances dictated otherwise. Edward and Sarah loved gardening and shared a love of Australian Shepards. They also enjoyed time at the Hodag during the summer and frequently stopped at the Casino for a little fun with the hope of hitting it big.
Edward also loved to frequent the “Root Beer stand” (as he called it) aka Northside in Rib Lake. In later years you could find him there almost every day, sometimes twice a day or more.
Edward is survived by his children, Heidi (Thomas) Apfelbeck and Todd (Shizue) Thiel. Five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Jason (Korissa) Fettes and children Leon, Annette and Zander Fettes of Hatley. Jeffery (Sarah) Fettes and children Maison Fettes of Medford and Devin (Breanna Wagner) Fries their daughter Braea Fries and Mackenzie (Zach Meier) Fries. Candice (Aaron) Hoffman and children Olivia Thorson, Kegan, Aurora and Isla Hoffman of Green Bay. Justin (Reba Berndt) Thiel and children Ayden & Maria Thiel and Nala, Chayton & Aiden Moose of Chelsea, and Brittnay Thiel Lafortune and her daughter Brooklynn LaFortune of Medford. And his dearest nephews Bob (Jane) Thiel and John (Jesse) Thiel of Iowa.
Edward was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Mary Thiel; his brother, James; his niece, Margie; and his second wife, Sarah.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford and Rib Lake is serving the family. Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 146355
