Mass of Christian Burial for Marie R. Thiel, 99, of Estherville, was held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville with Father Brian Feller, celebrant. Interment was at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Estherville. She died on Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Society in Estherville.
Marie Rita (Neppl) Thiel the daughter of Edward and Julia (Thelen) Neppl was born Dec. 8, 1925 in rural Emmet County, Iowa.
Marie grew up on a farm near Gruver, where she learned to work hard. Her family and religion were the staples in her life. Marie graduated from Gruver High School where she enjoyed playing basketball. Marie was united in marriage to Kenneth Thiel on Nov. 11, 1946 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Estherville. They made their first home on a farm near Wallingford, before moving to the home farm south of Gruver, where they raised their five children. The couple spent 66 wonderful years together. Marie was an avid gardener who much preferred being outside tending to her flowers and mowing the yard. Marie enjoyed sitting by the lake enjoying nature and bird watching.
Marie enjoyed attending her children and grandchildren’s events. She especially liked watching sports, basketball in particular. The Minnesota Lynx and ISU were her favorite teams to cheer on. Her dog, Sasha, was an important companion to her in her final years.
She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a past participant of the St. Francis Circle. She had a deep faith that she shared with her family. She enjoyed her socialization with the neighborhood club.
Left to cherish Marie’s memory are her children, Linda (Mike) Pattison; Brian Thiel; Mark (Deb) Thiel; Lori (Randy) Nissen; daughter-in-law, Pat Thiel; 18 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 10 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Norma Myers; brother, Edward Neppl; sister-in-law, Mary Jean Thiel and numerous nieces and nephews.
She has been preceded in death by her parents; husband, Kenneth; son, Greg; infant son, Douglas; sister, Margaret Bundy; brothers, Al Neppl; Laverdas “Shorty” Neppl; grandson, RJ Nissen; three infant grandchildren; and one infant great grandson.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral@gmail.com.
Henry Olson Funeral Home of Estherville is assisting the family with arrangements.
