Gerald Thiele

Jesus said, “If I go and prepare a place for you, I
will come again and take you to myself, that where I
am you may be also.” John 14:3 That is what He did.
On Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, God took Gerald Thiele
of Vernon, Texas, home to rest in the arms of Jesus his
Savior.
Gerald was born Nov. 6, 1934 in Shawano,
Wisconsin. He was the son of the late Harry and
Margaret Thiele. He married Suzanne C. Ariens on
June 8, 1957 in Brillion, Wisconsin.
He was a 1954 graduate of Concordia High School
and Jr. College in Milwaukee, Wi., graduate of
Concordia Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Mo. On July 12, 1959 he was
ordained and installed as Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church, Lockett, Texas, serving
that congregation for 30 years, retiring Dec. 31, 1989. He served the Texas
District of the Lutheran Church as Circuit Counselor for 25 years. After
retirement he served the church by filling vacancies and continued to do fill-in
preaching. He also served on many boards in the community. He enjoyed hunting,
fishing, RVing, old cars, and the coffee shop.
He is survived by his wife Suzanne Thiele of the home; daughter Cheryl Mattil
and husband Mike of Bells, Texas; son, Matthew Thiele of Seymour, Texas;
daughter, Nancy Graham and husband Eddie of Vernon, Texas; daughter, Laurel
Hislope of Vernon, Texas; sister, Gloria Schmeling of Milwaukee, Wi., 18
grandchildren with spouses, 20 great-grandchildren and two great-great
grandchildren.
Visitation was Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Sullivan Funeral Home.
Grave side rites with the family were the next day at Wilbarger Memorial Park,
under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home followed by a Memorial Service at
11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Steven Brummett officiating.
Memorials can be given to the Zion Lutheran Building Fund.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.
sullivanfuneralhomevernon.com