(Sept. 20, 2004)
Funeral Services are scheduled Monday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. in the Bennett Creek Baptist Church at Clark for Lawrence Earl (Larry) Thiel of Clark who died Sept. 20.
He was born July 18, 1940, in Red Lodge, Mont., the son of Lloyd and Ruth (Smith) Thiel. He grew up and attended school in Red Lodge, graduating from Red Lodge High School in 1958.
He enlisted in the Navy on his 18th birthday and served for three years, stationed in Japan. He lived in Red Lodge until 1975, when he moved to Clark.
He worked dirt construction with his father until his father's death, and continued running Larry Thiel Construction until this past year when his health slowed him down. Even though his health forced his retirement, he continued working on his good days. He worked hard all his life and found satisfaction and pleasure in a job well done.
He was married to Mickey (Hoke) Thiel for 13 years. They had three children. In his later years, he met and married Peggy Anne Connett and they worked side-by-side on their ranch at Clark.
He enjoyed gardening, reading, television, horse shoes and camping trips, where he was always in charge of cooking breakfast.
He was a gentle man who helped anyone in need and did many good things for others.
He is survived by his wife; a son, Lloyd (Tammy) Thiel; daughters, Betty (Ken) Thiel-Nygaard and Lisa Wood; a sister, Janie O'Brien; eight grandchildren and two nephews. Also surviving are his life-long friends Brian and Sharon Roat of Red Lodge, many cousins, aunts and uncles, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Earl and Ada Thiel and Harry and May Smith; his parents; and a sister, Betty Jean Thiel.
Burial will be at Bennett Butte (Clark) Cemetery, and a reception will follow at the Clark Community Center.
Memorials may be made to Fort Shiloh Ministry or the Bennett Creek Baptist Church.