Thomas Thiell

Thomas Richard Thiell age 91, of Alma, MI, passed away Thursday, October 5, 2017 at his home surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes Ithaca, MI, on Monday, October 9, 2017 at 12:00 P.M., with Pastor John Eich officiating.  Internment will be at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI at a later date.  Visitation will be held on Monday, October 9, 2017 from 10 AM - 12 PM. at the funeral home.  It was Thomas' request that there be "no SUITS AND TIES at MY funeral," so everyone please dress casually.

Thomas was born in Detroit, MI on July 23, 1926, the son of Thomas deWayne and Cecilia Marie (Toupin) Thiell.  He graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit with the class of 1941.  Thomas proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a PVT during WWII.  On May 4, 1957, Thomas married Netta Merrian Stryker at the Nativity Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI. This year they celebrated 60 years of marriage.

Thomas and Netta owned and operated Group Fund Administration for the Taft-Hartley Health and Welfare Pension Funds. He was also a payroll auditor for the State of Michigan, retiring in 1992.

Thomas was a Boy Scout Master while his son was in Boy Scouts.  He had a passion for researching the genealogy of everyone he met.  He enjoyed square dancing, traveling, camping, hunting and fishing.  Thomas also enjoyed volunteering his time with the Clinton County Historical Society, Gratiot County Commission on Aging and as an auditor for the local United Methodist Churches.

Thomas is survived by his wife Netta, 3 children; Thomas and Lori Thiell of North Branch, Gail and Andrew Lewis of Land O Lakes, FL, and Lynn and Bill Dunn of Jacksonville, FL, 8 grandchildren; Shaun, Michelle, Brandon, Cassidy, Jennifer, Spencer, Matthew and Sara, 9 great grandchildren; Camdyn, Caitlyn, Landon, Coltyn, Jordon, Kaiden, Silas, Adelyn and Alice, and sister Joyce and Maurice Beshouri.  Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and siblings; Theresa O'Leary, Cecilia Lesner and Eugene Thiell.

It was Thomas' request that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church or Gratiot County Commission on Aging 515 S. Pine River St., Ithaca, MI 48847. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.