Reilly "Rip" Thiel

Reilly E. “RIP” Thiel age 87, of Saginaw and former Elkton business man died Friday evening, October 19, at Health Source, Saginaw.

He was born December 20, 1924 in Kinde. His parents were the late Frank and Teresa (Reilly) Thiel. Reilly grew up in the Pigeon area and graduated from Pigeon High School in 1943.
Rip was an entrepreneur at an early age, starting a popcorn business in high school. After graduation, he became a purchasing agent for Michigan Lumber Fabricators in Elkton. He then started an appliance store on Main St. in Elkton. In the mid-sixties, he became the distributor for Krunchy Potato Chips and Pepsi Cola products. Reilly was always trying new things, in the seventies he sold his distributorships and moved to Florida, opening a car care business in Fort Lauderdale, later a security business and car transport company.

He was a former member of St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, serving as an usher, past president of the Elkton Rotary Club and long-time Elkton Fireman. Reilly was also a police officer, since he traveled extensively with his distributorships; he was deputized in three counties, Huron Tuscola and Sanilac.

Surviving are his wife, Ruby; three children, Dennis (Linda) Thiel of Saginaw, Becky (Pete) Alexander of Midland and Mike (Chris) Thiel of Saginaw; his grandchildren, Melissa Thiel, Chris (Christine) Alexander, Kari (Davin) Partanen, Jenny Alexander (Corey)and Adam Thiel; great grandchildren, Katie, Avery, Alexander, Wynston and Seija, and two brothers, Leo (Mary) McIlhargie of Gotts Corner and Don (Gahl) Thiel of Bay City.
Preceding him in death was a grandson, Ryan Thiel, his sister, Frankie Armbruster and brother, Martin Thiel.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no visitation or public funeral service. A private graveside service will be conducted for the family at St Francis Borgia Catholic Cemetery, Pigeon.

Memorials may be given to St. Francis Cemetery Fund or the donor’s choice