Alphonse Michael Thiel

Alphonse "Al" Michael Thiel

May 18, 1939 - May 18, 2024

Alphonse “Al” Michael Thiel passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, on his 85th birthday, Saturday, May 18, 2024. Family members held hands and sang "Happy Birthday" and oldest daughter Theresa, prayed a tender, loving prayer for Al's life and God sharing him with us.

Al was born May 18, 1939 in Calmar, Iowa to Mikel John Thiel and Emma Margaret Schneberger Thiel. Al is preceded in death by his parents, sister Regina Singleton, daughter-in-law Gail Thiel, grandson Shane Lazarus and son-in-law. Michael Lazarus, mother-in-law Loweader Adline Perry.

Al is celebrated in life by his loving wife of 30 years, Jane Rachel Thiel, and children Michael Thiel (Lori), Theresa Thiel Lazarus, Dena Lee Stockman, Tommy Gass (Casey) and Heather Parton

(Wesley), brother John Thiel (Barbara), sisters Margaret Anderson (Harlen) and Anne McIntosh; grandchildren, Amber English (Eric), Todd Moorman (Jessie), Melissa Evans (Mark), Michael Thiel II, Hollie Thiel (Justin), Ashley Williams (Jordan), Jillian Cruz (Adam), Kurt Lazarus, Brittany Lazarus, Tommy Moorman Jr, and numerous great grandchildren and a great, great granddaughter! He is also survived by his first wife Charlotte Harrah Criswell and second wife Helen Pelt Reininger.

Al spent his early years working on his family farm in Iowa. When he was seventeen, he enlisted in the US Navy where he served his country for 2 years and received an Honorable Discharge.

After his service in the US Navy, Al worked for A.B. Dick Company and NASA where he was head of the printing department. He was transferred to the NASA headquarters in the Houston area. In 1967, Al started his own printing business, “Thiel Printing and Office Supply Company”, which grew to 3 locations. Although the name has changed, Thiel Printing/Pasadena Printing Inc. has been around the Pasadena, South Houston, and greater Houston area for over 57 years and is still going strong.

Al was incredibly involved in politics and in April of 1985, he was elected Mayor of The City of South Houston, TX, where he served for 2 years and then 8 years as a City Councilman. He continued to stay involved with the city as the Chairman of The Board of the Chamber of Commerce.

At the time of his passing, Al was the city representative of the Harris County Fair Housing Committee, the Chairman of the Board of South Houston Economic Development Alliance, and the Director & Commissioner of the South Houston Police Civil Service Commission. He loved helping the citizens of South Houston. He was also a member of the Pasadena Moose Lodge, a Life Member of South Houston American Legion Post 490 and a Life Member of the Clear Lake (Kemah) Elks Lodge 2322.

Al loved playing cards (a love he inherited from his dad), but mostly loved his Wednesday and Saturday night poker games with his friends. Even in the hospital he had his computer so he could keep in practice with his buddies.

Al was loved and honored by many, which includes numerous friends, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and a large extended family.

He will always be remembered as Alf, Alphonse, The Fonz, "Al Thiel-The Real Deal", Daddy Al, Rockin' Al and Al Capone.

He was always ready to lend a hand or give the shirt off his back to those in need. He was a simple, hardworking, honest, and humble man that touched the lives of many. A loving husband, dad, brother, uncle, grandpa, and friend. Until we meet again. We love you.

In lieu of flowers, please pass his love on by doing an act of service or kindness in his name.