Glen Aloysius Thiel

Glen Aloysius Thiel, 85, was born on February 8th, 1935, to the late Otto P. and Lillian S. (Orians) Thiel of rural Kirby, Ohio. Together with his brother Thomas J. Thiel and sister Mary Margaret Shuler (both deceased), they were raised on the family farm and attended St. Mary’s Catholic School. During his high school years he was very active in the Future Farmers of America where he earned the American Farmer Degree and served as Secretary for The Ohio FFA Association in 1951-1952. He accredited his FFA Advisor Mr. John Borton for encouraging him to pursue his passion in agriculture. Glen graduated in 1952 from the Upper Sandusky High School and attended the Ohio State University before returning home to continue the family farm.

Glen was drafted and served in the United States Navy on the USS Kearsarge until his honorable discharge in 1961.

Glen was very proud of his family farm, his beef cattle and his family. He was a 3rd generation grain and cattle farmer who never cowered from hard work. His love for his beef cattle showed in his accomplishments from the late 50’s until just recently. The farm bred, raised, showed, or sold 8 champions at The Ohio State Fair and most recently at the Michigan and North Carolina State Fairs. One of his famous quotes was, “It doesn’t matter what you look like when you drive into the show, it is what walks out of the back of the trailer.” His love for cattle was deeply instilled in his children who continue the tradition today.

In addition to farming he also worked at the US Postal Service for 30 years and retired in 1991.

Glen married Sharon Sheaffer on August 21, 1965 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Their marriage was blessed with two children: Michael (Jill) Thiel and Melissa (Chad) Cunningham both of Upper Sandusky. Glen loved farming and working alongside his son teaching him how to farm and raise cattle.  He was very proud of his two grandchildren Keaton and Kenzie Cunningham as well as two-step grandchildren Teahl Rice (fiance’ Qui Nguyen) and Tyler (Brianna) Rice. He enjoyed spending time talking with his grandchildren, attending their activities, fishing with them and watching them grow up. Glen was looking forward to seeing his grandson graduate this year and yelling out during his graduation speech, “That’s my grandson!” He especially enjoyed celebrating his birthday with his granddaughter.

He and Sharon were members for over 50 years with their local Farm Bureau group who are now called “The Merry Mixers.” He enjoyed spending time playing cards, camping, eating delicious meals while having in-depth political debates, and watching their families change and evolve over the years.

He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Chapel, Kirby. Glen will be missed greatly by his two canine companions Murray and Ruby and most of all his family.

Glen passed away on Friday, April 10th, 2020 at 12:55 pm at Wyandot Memorial Hospital, Upper Sandusky after a brief illness. “Your labor is done, your home now is heaven, no more must you wait, Your legacy lives on, your love of the land, and we will close the gate.”

Funeral services for Glen A. Thiel will be private with a Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, Wyandot Memorial Hospital, and St. Peter’s Catholic School and can be sent to Lucas-Batton, 476 S. Sandusky Avenue., Upper Sandusky, OH 43351.

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