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Obituary - Marcel Thiel

Marcel Thiel, 83, a long-time Havre resident and businessman, passed away at his home October 1, 2019.

He was born December 20, 1935, to Peter and Helen (Feser) Thiel. Marcel grew up on the family farm near Almont, ND. He loved the farm life and there he learned the value of hard work which he took with him throughout his life. He attended country schools and high school in Glen Ullin, ND. He played basketball and was an outstanding player. While in high school, he became very ill with rheumatic fever. Doctors feared he may not survive and suggested trying a newly available medicine, penicillin, and survive he did! He then received his GED and went to work for is uncle Mike where he learned power line construction. He met a gal at a dance in New Salem, ND and they began dating.

While she was still in high school Marcel asked her to marry him as soon as she graduated. On April 15, 1958, he married Carol Becknell in Bismarck, ND. They were married for 61 years.

Marcel enlisted in the Army National Guard and did training at Fort Ord, CA. He served in the National Guard Reserve for three years. He continued working in construction which led him to Havre, MT, where he was hired on with Hill County Electric as a line-man. He was known by his co-workers to have the ability to scale a power pole "like it was nothing." He was a very ambitious and driven person. He eventually started his own construction company, built trailer courts and owned rental properties. His dream to get back to his love of farming led him to lease farmland. He grew wheat and started cattle ranching. Eventually, he was able to purchase his own farmland, which later became a successful organic wheat production. He farmed and grew organic wheat until the time of his death.

He was a people person and had a charismatic personality. Marcel loved to help people with any problem they had and possessed a charitable heart. He spent hours visiting with people and made many friends in the 60 years he lived in Havre. He loved dancing and music and was naturally musically talented. He sang, played accordion, piano and guitar. In earlier years he played and sang in a band that was well-known in the Havre area. A highlight of his life was getting to sing with country star Lynn Anderson at the Hill County Fair.

Marcel was a huge fan and supporter of area basketball. He spent many hours attending Havre Blue Pony's and MSU-Northern Lights games. A highlight for him was going to LA to watch the Laker's play. He also enjoyed cattle drives and rode in the "Big Drive of '89" for Montana's centennial celebration. He spent many hours with his grandkids, teaching them how to work, he was their mentor and buddy.

Marcel is survived by his wife, Carol Thiel of Havre; children Larry Thiel, Donald Thiel, Linda (Blaine) Ruhkamp and Darlene Morehouse, all of Havre; four grandchildren, Michael, Kaitlin, Kory and Kyle; siblings Erwin (Nancy) Thiel and Edward (Charlotte) Thiel, of Almont, ND, Donna Wolf of Spokane, WA, and Diane (Frank) Recek of Casa Grande, AZ; sister-in-law Leona Thiel of Medicine Lake, MT; brother-in-law Rayjon Parsons of Phoenix, AZ; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his son Daryl Thiel; parents, Peter and Helen Thiel; brothers Arthur Thiel and Robert Thiel; and sisters Dolores Fisher and Dorthea Parsons.

A private family service has taken place, and Marcel's family has suggested memorial donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 1903 Central Avenue, Billings, MT 59102.

Holland & Bonine Funeral Home has been entrusted with services and arrangements.

Please visit Marcel's online memorial page and leave a message of condolence for his family at http://www.hollandbonine.com .

 

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