Janet Helen Thiel

With merciful hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will, the family of Janet Helen Thiel of Lubbock announce her peaceful passing in her home on The Lord’s Day, Sunday, December 14, 2025, as she surpassed 95 years old.

Janet is preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Fabian Thiel, son Kenneth “Kenny Boy” Thiel, and son William “Billy Joe” Thiel. She is survived by her daughter Mary Kathleen Cope and husband Luke of Seminole, son Charles Thiel and wife Ramona of Brock, son James Thiel and wife Kim of Lubbock, son Thomas Thiel and wife Kimberly of Lubbock, daughter-in-law Lynn Thiel of Idalou, and daughter Michele Ferrell and husband Trey of New Deal, 19 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Janet was born on the brink of the Great Depression on July 26, 1930, in Wyndmere, North Dakota to Vincent and Veronica Puetz. She grew up with her older brother, Vincent Carl, as the oldest brother, Sylvester, returned to God before the younger two siblings were born. As a youth, she focused on music and not only fell in love with the piano she mastered it and performed at her church and for weddings. She survived the aftermath of WWII and at the tender age of 23, she married an onion, cabbage, and cotton farmer from Idaho Falls, Idaho, Kenneth Thiel, on Tuesday, October 27, 1953 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Wyndmere, North Dakota. Shortly after, they began their cross-country travel to the Great Plains of West Texas establishing roots in Lubbock where they began their divine purpose of raising seven children.

Janet was a devout wife, a prideful mother, a jovial grandmother, and incredibly devoted to her faith. She became one of the greatest cooks and quilt-makers of her time, and she sealed her heart and soul into her annual canning preparations. For entertainment, she could recite any Hallmark show, she loved to dance, radiated when reminiscing, and adored listening to Daniel O'Donnell and watching polka dancing on Saturday nights. Janet fostered a well-being of everlasting hope reminding each of us that Love never fails. Her longing and adoration for her husband Kenneth is now reunited, as she has gone home to be with the Lord forever.

Janet will be remembered as a God-fearing woman full of devotion, kindness, patience, compassion, and loyalty for her Creator. May her heavenly presence be everlasting in our memories, as we hold dear the precious gatherings and family events held at her home.

Visitation and a rosary will be held later today, Tuesday, December 16, 2025 from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Resthaven Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Saint Elizabeth’s Catholic Chapel in Lubbock with Father John officiating. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery right after the service. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to your charity of choice.