Norman Thiel

Dateline: Jerseyville, IL The days God wrote for Norman Thiel were completed on December 23, 2024, when he died unexpectedly and went into the presence of Jesus, his Savior. Born and raised in Jerseyville, IL. Norman spent many of his years farming the family land, repairing and tinkering with farm equipment, and building community with those he worked alongside. Norman always had a dad joke to make a room both laugh and groan, and was quick to lighten the atmosphere with playful banter and an easy smile. An avid musician and trumpet player, Norman spent the past 12 years in the Godfrey New Horizons Band, sharing his love of music with the local community. In 2013 Norman was appointed assistant director of the Godfrey band, spending the past 3 years on the board of New Horizons International Music Association where he delighted in expanding the mission of the organization. A loving husband and father, Norman is survived by his wife of 40 years, Kathryn “Katie” Gates Thiel, and his three children, Mary Beth of Colorado Springs, Jana of San Diego and Matt of Bloomington, Indiana, siblings, Leslie Thiel (Marsha Thiel) of Mt. Sterling, KY, Marcia Scott (Lyle Scott) of Paola, KS, brothers in law, Gary Gates(Rebecca Gates) of Harlan, Indiana and Harold Gates (Roxanne Gates) of Jackson, MO and sisters in law, Peggy Scott (Timothy Scott) of Chatham, IL and Hazel Buren (John Buren) of Macomb, IL and numerous nieces and nephews. Norman was preceded in death by his parents, Fred B. Thiel Jr. and Muriel O. (Turner) Thiel. There is no end to the positive impact Norman had on his community, consistently showing care, concern, and kindness to anyone who might need support. His legacy of generosity and joy will live on through those who knew him. Visitation will be Sunday, December 29, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Gent Funeral Home in Alton where funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30, 2024 with Pastor Chance Newingham officiating. Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery in Jerseyville. Memorials may be made to Hope Orphan Home (hopeorphanhome.org) or Godfrey New Horizon Band. Additional information and online guest book may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com

Tributes

Norman Thiel

March 7, 1959 - December 23, 2024