James Francis Thiel

James "Jim" Thiel, 85, DeWitt, Iowa, died Tuesday morning, February 20, 2007 at Westwing Place, DeWitt.

James Francis Thiel was born June 24, 1921 the son of John G. and Mary T. (Etscheidt) Thiel. Jim was raised in Calamus, and spent over 60 years in DeWitt. He was an Army Veteran of World War II. While in the service, Jim married Mary Jackson, March 9, 1943.

He worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for 33 years. Jim started selling cars in 1954 for Rotman Motor Company in Maquoketa, and in 1973, founded Thiel Motor Sales in DeWitt. He retired in 1992.

Jim was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt, and the Knights of Columbus. He was a lifetime member of Eugene McManus American Legion Post #238, DeWitt. His hobbies included cars, especially convertibles. Jim loved little children and enjoyed time spent with his sons and daughter, grandkids and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are two sons and a daughter-in-law, Robert and Jane Thiel, Delmar, and John Thiel, LeClaire; a son-in-law, Ray McDermott, Delmar; nine grandchildren, Michelle (Shawn) Havener, Michael (Mandy) Thiel, Chad (Tara) Thiel, Christina (Michael) Kitchen, Shayla (Matt) Stern, James (Gretchen) Thiel, Jon (Toni) Thiel, Luke (Shelly) McDermott and Maura McDermott; great-grandchildren, Morgan, Devin, Maya, Benjamin, Taylen, Ayva, Amayra and James, III; a brother, Edward (Sarah) Thiel, Rib Lake, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary on May 11, 1991, a daughter, Margaret McDermott, on December 23, 2006 and his parents.

The family will receive relatives and friends at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, from 3 until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2007 with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Funeral Liturgy 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2007 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, DeWitt. The Rev. Fr. H. Robert Harness officiating. Burial to follow in the Church Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to St. Joseph School or the charity of your choice.

Pallbearers will be Jim Thiel, Mike Thiel, Jon Thiel, Chad Thiel, Luke McDermott and Shawn Havener. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Rotman, Dick Hughes, Pete Farren, Carmen Thompson and Ron Burnett.

A photo tribute may be viewed and condolences expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.