David Otto Thiel, 68, of Three Lakes, died May 30, 2016.
He was the husband of Wendy A. (nee Bush) Thiel, son of the late Otto and Gladys Thiel of Eau Claire; father of Derek D. (Leah Donohue) Thiel and cherished papa of Amelia and Braeden Thiel, of Milwaukee; son-in-law of Audrey and Thomas Bush of Eau Claire; brother to Carol (Mike) Loehnis, Lance (Mary Jo) Thiel and Joan Helget; and brother-in-law to Tim (Marilyn) Bush, Eric (Mary Belknap) Bush and Claudia Bush.
During the Vietnam War, he was a member of the U.S. Air Force, stationed in southern Italy. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and a Master of Science degree in teaching from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He taught biology and chemistry at Delavan-Darien High School for 27 years. He enjoyed coaching cross country and girls softball at D-DHS. After retiring from D-DHS, he continued to work in education at Gateway Technical College in Elkhorn.
Spending time in the north woods of Wisconsin was his passion. He was an avid musky fisherman, fire pit master and joke teller.
His courageous two-year battle against stomach cancer inspired us all. He never gave up hope.
A memorial service will be at noon Saturday at Saint Francis Episcopal Church in Eagle River.
