OBITUARY OF JOHANN (JOHN) THIEL, LACROSSE, WISCONSIN 1901

OBITUARY OF JOHANN(JOHN) THIEL, LACROSSE, WISCONSIN 1901

(translated from theGerman newspaper; appended remarks in brackets)

Johan Thiel, born November 3, 1816, in Itersdorf, Prussia,came at the age of 23 [1839] to America, living near Buffalo, New York.  After 12 years there, he lived afterwards[beginning in 1851] in Cincinnati. Forty-six years ago [1855] he resided in the area of LaCrosse,Wisconsin, in Breckinridge [Chipmunk Coulee, in Vernon County].  During a New Years night he was disturbedduring his card game and later awakened and converted and joined ourcongregation [German Methodist Church] and served his God faithfully for 42years, although he endured much affliction during that time.  Although 84 years and 2 months old, herejoiced in good health and visited our continuing assemblage everyevening.  When he was on the way homefrom the January 3 evening service, he was hit by a streetcar and diedinstantly.  His faith was so clear thathe literally went directly from the church to his  eternal rest.  He leavestwo brothers and one sister, one daughter, Mrs. Alex. Duerwaechter, four sons,Wilhelm, Jakob, Daniel and John, thirteen grandchildren and onegreat-grandchild.  May the Lord comfortthe bereaved, and we will all meet in heaven.