Michael W. Thiel

Michael W. Thiel, 59, of Merrill, passed away Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at the Aspirus Hospice House in Wausau.

Michael was born February 13, 1966, in Madison, son of John and Judine (Kroll) Thiel. He graduated from Merrill High School with the class of 1985. Michael attended Lincoln Industries for years. He enjoyed working at Hardee’s, but his favorite job was cleaning the Merrill Go-Round and he was very proud of his work there.

Michael loved his family. He was a wonderful uncle to his nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews. They all loved their Uncle Mike. For years, he was affectionately known as “Tooter.” Michael enjoyed hunting and fishing, the Green Bay Packers, stock car races, Neil Diamond, and going out to dinner. He was proud to be a part of the Special Olympics where he was involved in bowling and cross-country skiing. He attended the National Special Olympics in Reno and won a gold medal for Wisconsin in cross-country skiing.

Michael is survived by his siblings, John Thiel Jr of Merrill, Kristen (John) Schefdore of Merrill, and Sarah (Matt) Thomas of Chanhassen, MN; step mother, Deborah Thiel of Florida; nieces and nephews, Kate (John) Heuer of Merrill, Brian Fruend of Merrill, Terra (Nick) Holdridge of Merrill, Jason (Ashley) Thiel of Merrill, Jesse Thiel of Merrill, Caryn Thiel of Merrill, ShyAnne Thiel of Antigo, Ben Thomas of Plymouth, MN, Madison Thomas of Grand Forks, ND, Nate Thomas of Chanhassen, MN, and Owen Thomas of Chanhassen, MN; and great nieces and great nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his mother and step father, Judy and Bruce Schield; father, John Thiel; and nephew, Mitchell Fruend.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 A.M., Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father John Long will preside. Burial will take place at Faith Lutheran Cemetery – West, Town of Scott, Lincoln County. The family will receive friends from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 19, 2025, at Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation – 903 E. Third St., Merrill.

Taylor-Stine-Waid Funeral & Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.taylorstinewaid.com.

The family wishes to thank Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services and the Aspirus Hospice House and Foundation for the gentle loving care they provided to Michael in his last weeks.