Robert J. Thiel Sr.

Robert J. Thiel, Sr. age 88 of Pigeon went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, November 30 ^th 2021.

Bob was born January 14, 1933 on the family farm near Elkton to the late Charles and Helene (Burzyck) Thiel.  As a young boy, Bob was active in sports and loved teasing his siblings. He graduated from Elkton High School in 1951. On November 1, 1952 he married Selma Schubach at St. Francis Borgia Rectory in Pigeon. He served in the US Army during the Korean War. After coming home from the Army, Bob joined his father-in-law, Stanley Schubach with the farming operation. Bob and Selma began Thiel Farms in 1976.

Bob was a lifelong farmer, retiring from Thiel Farms in 2007. He was a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish/St. Francis Borgia, Scenic Golf Course, and Michigan Farm Bureau. He was also President of Michigan Milk Producers, and an Asgrow Seed dealer for many years.

Bob loved life and was filled with happiness; he always had a smile on his face and an uplifting attitude. Being around him was a joy as he told many stories that one couldn’t imagine occurring. In the fall and winter months, Bob enjoyed going off to deer camp, spending time ice fishing and going to Canada fishing with so many great friends. Additionally, he enjoyed watching various Laker athletic contests. Attending football and basketball games with his family was something he always looked forward to. Being the farmer he was, Bob also enjoyed watching his grandkids show at the Huron County Community Fair.

Christmastime at the Thiel house was always eventful, and everyone looked forward to it. Singing Christmas Carols, Santa’s visit, and the roaring fireplace brought him and his family many laughs and good times. Truly, Bob lived for his family. They were the pride and joy of his life and their presence brought him so much happiness.

Bob is survived by his wife Selma; children June (Paul) Clabuesch of Sand Point, Robert Jr (Mary Lou) of Pigeon, Joyce (Tim) Brown of Bay Port, Ronald (Donna) of Pigeon, Mary (Nick) Buda of Pigeon and Patricia (Jason) Reinhardt of Pigeon; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren, special great-grand dog, Marco; brother Gerald of Hillman and sisters Janet McIntyre of Las Cruces, NM, Judy (Don) Brunn of Auburn Hills and Linda Heidebriecht of Auburn Hills. He was preceded in death by his sisters Meta (Bill) O’Connor and Irene (Bill) Voss and brothers-in-law Bill Heidebriecht and Owen McIntyre.

There will be a private family service with interment at St. Francis Borgia Cemetery. A public memorial service will be held at a later date, yet to be determined. Memorials can be made out to Laker FFA.