THIEL, Raymond J., age 97

Died: Tuesday, April 16th, 2024

Private family services will be held at a later date

Raymond J. Thiel, age 97, of Eau Claire, died on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at Mayo Clinic Health System in Eau Claire.

Ray was born on July 10, 1926 to the late Raymond W. and Estella M. (Strassburger) Thiel. He grew up in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin graduating from Wauwatosa High School in 1944. Ray enlisted in the United States Navy serving in the Pacific Theater from 1944 until after the end of the war in 1946. He then returned to Milwaukee and pursued further education while also working.

In 1949, he married Fayne L. Acterberg of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Fayne and Ray had three sons. During their marriage, they lived in Wauwatosa, the Town of Delafield (Waukesha), and lastly in Altoona. Ray worked for General Electric Corporation in Milwaukee for 39 years where, in the 1950s, he was a computer programmer during the early years of their wide spread use in business. Fayne and Ray moved to Altoona in 1987 after his retirement to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

In his later years, he enjoyed watching John Wayne movies and films noire. He was an avid reader, especially of mysteries, doing crossword puzzles and following the financial markets. He was proud to be a veteran of World War II.

Ray is survived by sons, William G. (Barbara) of Eau Claire, Richard P. (Deborah) of Tomah, and Scott of Altoona; granddaughters, Laura (Ryan) of Toronto, Canada, Allison (Dan) of London, England, and Cassandra (Divam) of Madison, WI; and great grandchildren, Max, Cleo, and Indra.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Fayne (2001); and brother, Howard (2020).