Leonard “Lenny” Leo Thiel, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2026. Lenny was born on October 15, 1940 to the late Lawrence and Rose (Marx) Thiel in St. John, WI. On October 6, 1962 he married Marion Laura Schmidt. He worked for various mechanical contractors throughout his working career. Lenny was a devoted stock car racing fan for over 65 years of NASCAR and all local race tracks knowing every driver, especially Ty Majeski, his favorite. In his younger days he enjoyed snowmobiling and fishing with family and friends. Lenny liked the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, and streaming high school basketball. He liked listening to classic country music, especially Daniel O’Donnell. He took many bus trips with Marion to Branson, MO and one of his favorite tours through Yellowstone National Park. One of his favorite things was baking cookies and his signature canned pickles making sure his friends got a sample. Lenny made friends anywhere he went. He will be greatly missed and remembered as the good hearted man he was.
He is survived by his siblings: Leroy (Verne) Thiel, Lloyd (Mary) Thiel, Lucy (Gary) Janke, and Lester (Joan) Thiel; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: Ray Schmidt, Mary Schmidt, Millie Weyenberg, Robert and Barb Schmidt, and Judy Schmidt. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.
Lenny was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; his parents; Marion’s mother and father: John and Clara Schmidt; brother, Lawrence Jr. (Erie), Elaine Thiel, Roger and Lois Geiser, Marge Thiel, Melvin Schmidt, John Schmidt, Don Weyenberg, Charlie and Ann Schmidt, Donald Schmidt, Frances Schmidt, and Joann Schmidt.
A Funeral Mass for Lenny will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor of Mackville, N2926 State Hwy 47, Mackville. Visitation will begin at the church starting at 9:00 a.m. and will continue until the time of the Mass. For online condolences, please visit www.valleyfh.com.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Lenny’s name has been established.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the staff of St. E’s Hospital, Homestead Health Services, and Oak Park Place.
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