Walter was the father i never really had in my life. i just called his cell phone only an hour ago, and i feel shell shocked at his passing.  he was and will always be the one person who believed in me and showed me the kind of humanity only a man with god in his life could have.  on my way to the midwest last year, i stopped in to see him and say hello. we went to costco and talked about fixing the soda machine i had bought him at an auction so many years ago.  we reminsced about times past, and some paintings i had given him where they still hung in various places throughout his house. walter made me realise that no monetary thing, including baby grand pianos or grandfather clocks or once a year plate collections held value. only the life we live and of ourselves of what we do and who we are, and how we treat others is the commodity thats more precious than gold. every second is a gift, and i will cherish the time god gave me to spend what he gave me with walter. i miss you and love you walter. i will see you again friend, Dad. love and miss you. T.J. Thomas Shay

Walter was a dear friend to our family since he joined our church over 20 years ago.  He showed love and compassion to everyone.  He had a wonderful sense of humor.  There is really no one like him.  Our family has been greatly blessed by knowing him and we will miss him very much.  Ron and Merle Anne Schulz

We knew Walter for a very short time.  The first time I entered his house, I felt like I had truly come home.  That feeling of "coming home" never changed with each visit. I will always hold these memories of him close to my heart. Walter, my dear brother, you will be sorely missed.

Walter was a wonderful fellow brother to everyone at church and in the community. He has been a good mentor to my children, taught them in seminary every morning, helped them in their school work, and supported them during their missionary service. Walter will be greatly missed by everybody, especially my family.

Walter, was one of the best seminary teachers. Emilie, always enjoyed his good sense of humor. You will be missed. our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of sorrow.

Walter Theil was a very kind and gentle man. He showed a lot of love for his fellow man, and he gave without asking for anything in return. He will be missed.

Pat, Liz & Olivia,

My deepest sympathy on your great loss.  Walter seemed to be truly a one of a kind guy.  All of us have good memories of him, some from the past and some in the present.  Mine are from the past as I grew up with Walter and have nice memories of him, although he did tend to tease me and dunk me many times in the ocean!  May your beautiful memories sustain and comfort you through these hard times.  Walter seemed to be a bright light in many people's lives and now it is time for his light to shine in heaven.  God bless.

You were the nicest person that I ever met. He always opened his heart and his home to others, and he taught me a lot about the gospel. He was a wonderful teacher and friend to me and every time I needed him he was there. I have many wonderful memories with Walter and they shall forever be in my heart. We will meet again one day Walter and I look forward to learning more from you.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Walter has brought such joy in our hearts and souls. He will be truly missed. Walter has been inspiration to me.  Walter had a kindness that made you want to give that kindness to others. He will be with me in my heart and soul.

Walter we will miss you alot.  You will
be in our hearts always. We will meet again one day.

Walter was a gifted teacher, and a great friend.  He knew how to relate to youth in a wonderful, grandfatherly way.  He touched and changed their lives for the better.  He'll be greatly missed by all of us.

Walter opened his home to many church activities.  He made everyone feel welcome and exercised great patience and love in dealing with people.  He was a strong, stalwart man in the church.  His courage in dealing with his affliction was an example to everyone.

Walter was one of a kind.  I knew Walter through CPS, we worked together for over 20 years.  I will always remember him for the wonderful person that he was.  He was kind, generous, and caring.  Words cannot express the loss of this wonderful person.  May you have peace forever, Walter.  You will truly be missed.  My best to Donald and his family

I enjoyed working with Walter at church. I trust that many souls greet him on the other side. Our best to Donald and all his kin and friends.

I met Walter through our church, and we became good friends.  I lived near Foster and Marine Dr., and if he ever saw me standing at the bus stop, he'd always offer me a ride downtown to work.  We had some great conversations driving down Lake Shore Drive.  I remember when my husband and I went to his beautiful home for a Christmas party, and how happy he was when Donald came into his life.  We moved out to Utah in 1990 and I lost touch with him, but have thought of him often.  Rest in peace, my friend.

I will always remember Walter as a kind, generous, and gentle friend. He was able to merge the wonderful characteristics of sophistication, intellect, and humor into one unforgettable personality. Perhaps this was best shown in the calm and determined way he faced his illness. May you have peace forever, Walter.

Walter was a great man of God.  My heart and prayers are with his family.  
Love,
Debbie

Walter, a Friend and a Mentor, you will be missed. I am very sorry we ran out of time.

Walter was always a class act.  He knew how to engage people and get things accomplished by minimizing red tape.  May he rest in peace.

May your soul be jubilous in God's garden, Walter.

Walter's Family,

May the heaviness of your hearts be lightened by the knowledge that Walter positively impacted so many lives.  I worked with him for 4 years at CPS and in that time felt it a great privilege to work with such a professional and caring individual.  He approached life with adventure, graciousness and fun.  He was kind and fair and did everything with integrity.  My life is richer for having met him.

I knew Walter through our church association some years ago, before moving from Chicago. He was a wonderfully dedicated, caring, and genuine person. He made a deep and lasting contribution to Education in Chicago. I will always cherish my experiences with him, and extend my sincere sympathy to the members of his family.

We loved and will always love Walter Thiel.  He made our few years in Chicago a wonderful experience.  Our love and prayers to his family, especially Donald and Randy, whom we also know and love. 

Gavin and Emilee Duckworth

I knew Walter through our Church associations for several years. He was a strong, stalwart Church member who's love, caring and friendly patience will be sorely missed in our congregation. God bless you, Brother! --And my deepest sympathies to your family and friends...

I only knew Walter for a short time while working with him briefly, but my memories of him are strong.  He shared stories his son, of cooking, of his travels and his love of music.  Walter always made me smile and taught me to be strong and stand by my convictions.  He was a wonderful man and I will remember him always.  My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.  Walter will live in our hearts forever through memories.  God Bless him!

OBITUARY

Walter L. Thiel

July 12, 1942 – May 16, 2011

Drake & Son Funeral Home

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