Elsie M. Thiel

Elsie M. ThielElsie Magdalene Thiel, 104, of Gypsum, passed away Saturday, February 19th, 2011 at her home surrounded by her family. Elsie Schwarz was born in rural Gypsum, on January 3, 1907, the daughter of the late August and Martha (Reiff) Schwarz. She was a member of Temple Church, rural Gypsum, graduated from Gypsum High School, and attended Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, where she received a lifetime teaching certificate. She taught school in rural Saline County for 6 years. Elsie was a homemaker and worked with her husband Ernest on the family farm. She was a member of the Ladies Missionary Society at the church,and a 4-H leader for many years.On June 6, 1935, Elsie married Ernest E. Thiel at the Schwarz homestead and he preceded her in death on Oct. 15, 1970. Survivors include her sons: Thurston Thiel and wife Carolyn of Gypsum, Duane Thiel and wife Judy of Lindsborg, Russell Thiel and wife RaeAnn of Andover, Kansas; three grandsons: Matthew Thiel and wife Melissa, Kyle Thiel and wife Heather; Andrew Thiel and wife Janelle; three granddaughters: Rebecca Cooper and husband Randall, Jo Dee Westbrook and husband Mike, Christine Stewart and husband Jeff; as well as 14 great-grandchildren. Elsie is preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters: Esther Krauss and Augusta Nilson,a brother William Schwarz and a son: Marthane L. Thiel.Friends are invited to call Thursday, February 24 from 9 am - 8 pm; the family will receive friends from 6-8 pm at Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home, Salina. A funeral service will be held at the Temple Church, rural Gypsum, at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 25th,with Pastor Dennis Mullins officiating. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. The family requests donations be made to Hospice of Salina 730 Holly Lane, Salina, Kansas or Temple Church Missions, R.R. 2, Gypsum, Kansas.