Philip J. Thiel

**Please Note: Correction for St. Louis Post obituary notice stated service time at 10:00am, the family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:00am Friday February 19, 2016 with service time at 11:00am. Philip J. Thiel, 73, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2016 at NHC in Maryland Heights, MO. Loving husband of Gail M. (Walker) Thiel; cherished father of Lisa Thiel; beloved father of Mark Thiel; dear grandpa of Brandon, Kayla and Macey Thiel; great-grandpa of Bryden Thiel; brother to Bob Thiel and Dawn (Neukam) Thiel; dear uncle, cousin and friend to so many loving and loyal friends too numerous to list. Phil will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Phil was born on February 1, 1943 at St. Mary's Hospital in East St. Louis, Illinois to Philip M. and Virginia Thiel. When he was born, the nurses put socks of his hands because he would swing his hands around, hitting himself in the nose. When his dad first saw him, he wondered what was wrong with his son's hands? The nurses told him nothing-he was just active. His dad, being a semi-pro boxer, called him Champ. This name stuck with him most of his life in Illinois through high school. He grew up in Maryville, Illinois and graduated from Collinsville High School in 1961. He was proud of his cross-country records at Collinsville High. Phil had a brother Bob-10 years younger than himself. In November 1961, Phil enlisted in the Navy. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier, USS Roosevelt. He was in the Viet Nam era, but he was lucky enough to have 3 Mediterranean cruises instead of going to Viet Nam. When he was in dry-dock, he would take sight-seeing trips instead of hitting bars all the time. He saw many wonderful sights, including the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Pope giving his blessings to the people in the Vatican in Rome on Christmas Day, a bullfight in Spain and he climbed the French Alps. These were only a few of the good memories of his Navy life. He became a First Class Petty Officer. Phil was going to re-enlist having served 4 years of active duty; however, the Bay of Pigs occurred. He was extended 4 more months in Guantanamo Bay. After seeing through binoculars Russian Missiles aimed at his ship, Phil decided to end his Navy career, being discharged in March 1966. Phil began working at Western Gillette Trucking Company on North Broadway in April 1966. Gail started working at a company next door to his company. Phil worked afternoon shift, but the guys told him to come in early to check out the new secretary who took the mail-walking every day to the post office. Phil asked Gail out on a date- she would say "no" until he suggested a Sunday afternoon in September. Gail finally agreed-this sounded safe enough. He came to the house in a black leather jacket and boots with a switch blade in his socks-not trusting the St. Louis area. First date they went to Holiday Hills Amusement Park-went on rides, the batting cages and played miniature golf. Next, we went bowling. After bowling, they went to dinner at Ponticellos. Lastly, they went dancing at Club Imperial. At the end of the date, Phil kissed Gail on the hand, like the Prince Charming he was. 3 1/2 months later Phil and Gail got engaged, and on September 16, 1967, they became husband and wife. They were married 48 years and 5 months. Phil and Gail had a very happy life together-they were soul-mates. The couple was blessed with 2 wonderful children-Lisa, born July 20, 1970, and Mark born August 1, 1973. They also have 3 grandchildren, Brandon-age 24; Kayla-age 19, Macey-age 9 and a great-grandson, Bryden -age 16 months. Phil worked 39 years-9 months at Mallinckrodt -where he was first a chemical manufacturer, next a pipefitter, and lastly, a storekeeper. He was quick at everything he did, therefore he had a nickname of "rabbit" because it always seemed like he was hopping from one job to the next. He retired the end of January 2006, almost enjoying 10 years of retirement. Phil and Gail played co-ed volleyball for over 30 years with a wonderful group of friends, some who are still playing. Phil also played sand-volleyball for many summers. They also participated in the St. Charles Senior Olympics for about 23 years-winning many medals. Phil and Gail had many interest-number one was traveling-they loved light houses and saw around 200 different ones in the U.S.A. They were always kidded about owning stock in Branson, because they were always going there. Phil was a very proud veteran and they always went to Branson during Veterans week. They went to many Cardinal, Blues and Ram's games. They were such avid Cardinal fans that they went to Spring Training every year. Besides sporting events they enjoyed the theatre very much. They also enjoyed so many good times with their best friends, Dottie and Mike Nizolac- Pinochle and Euchre were also very much fun for him, plus he was very good at it. He played with the North County Achievers, a Tuesday night group at Florissant, Atonement Lutheran Pinochle group and a Third Wednesday group. He also played Euchre at Brookdale Retirement Center, St. Peters. Gail also played with these groups. Phil was Vice-President of his retiree local 1887; and on the election committee of UAW area council. Phil was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandpa. He was also a very giving and loyal friend to many. He had a very happy, fulfilling life up to September 2015 until his death on February 15, 2016, when God said," You endured enough suffering, come be with Me." Phil will be missed by everyone who loved and cared for him, but he is now at peace. Visitation: HUTCHENS Mortuary, 675 Graham Rd, Florissant MO, Thurs., Feb 18, 4 - 8pm. Services Fri., Feb 19, 11am at Hutchens Mortuary. Contributions may be made to American Cancer, Alzheimer or Diabetes Assc. Philip was a member of UAW Local 1887. Employed by Mallenckrodt for 39 1/2 years. In tribute to the Veteran and family, the procession will be escorted to Mt. Lebanon Cemetery by the Patriot Guard where military honors will be served.

Philip J. Thiel

February 1, 1943 - February 15, 2016