Paul Joseph Thiel

Paul Joseph Thiel “Papa”, age 91, died peacefully surrounded by his loving family Wednesday, January 31, 2018. He was born in Racine, Wisconsin, December 16, 1926 to Joseph John Thiel and Julia Ann Bahl Thiel, one of three children. Paul married the love of his life, Rita Mary Madden Thiel and enjoyed more than 66 years together. A member of the greatest generation, Paul enlisted at the age of 17 in the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a “plank owner” of the USS Repose AH-16 and served in the then top secret rate of Radarman 3rd Class Petty Officer.

Paul was awarded the U. S. Navy Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, the Navy Occupation Medal (Asia), the China War Memorial Medal and the Cold War Recognition Certificate. He was recently recognized for his services to this nation when he was chosen for the WW II Honor Flight to Washington, DC along with many of his fellow WW II Veterans. He was also a familiar face at the Annual Veterans Day breakfast at Chapin High School for many years and regaled a new generation with his entertaining war stories.

Paul attended Marquette University where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked for Bucyrus Erie in Milwaukee, WI for 12 years. He was President of Denver Fire Clay Company in Denver, CO. He moved his family many times before settling in Columbia, SC. He worked for WABCO (Westinghouse Airbrake Company) nd was owner and President of State Machinery Company in West Columbia, SC. After his retirement in 1979 he was an active Real Estate Agent and Educator. He was one of the primary Real Estate educators and wrote and edited many Real Estate books and manuals. He was Past President and a member of the Board of Directors at Deercreek in Surfside Beach, SC, for over 40 years.

Paul was active in several states in Boy Scouts, Rotary, the American Legion, Toastmasters International and AED (Associated Equipment Distributors) and a lifetime donor to the Red Cross. He was an active member of Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church as a Charter Member and served his parish in every way possible.

Paul is survived by his wife, Rita Mary Madden Thiel of the home and six children; Paula Jean Cox (Myron) of Greenville, SC, Christine Marie Aun (Michael) of St. Cloud, FL, Bruce Raymond Thiel of Charleston, SC, Janet Jane Thiel (James Perry) of Chapin, SC, Kevin Paul Thiel (Ginni Cox), and Susan Mary Sudol. He is also survived by a sister, Joan Eddy of Plano, Texas, 11 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his daughter, Julie Ann Thiel, son, Kurt John Thiel, a sister, Jane Inlow (Herman) and one grandchild Mark Anthony Sudol.

We are blessed to call him Dad or PaPa and will always remember him in our hearts. Thank you so much for everything you have done for all of us. Rest in peace, knowing your “wisdom of a lifetime” has served us well.

Special thanks to family friend, Kate Vos for all your guidance and help through his journey the past few years.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church Family Life Center, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father John Murray, C.Ss.R. at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church, 120 Marydale Lane, Columbia, SC 29210.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the charity of your choice or you may honor Paul’s memory with a contribution to Our Lady of the Hills Catholic Church in memory of his deceased children, Julie Ann Thiel and Kurt John Thiel.