Duane E. Thiel

Duane E. Thiel passed away after a full day working cattle on Friday, October 25, 2024 – boots on, eyes to heaven. He worked up until the last minute, doing what he loved. Duane retired as a mechanical engineer with thirty years of experience to follow his ranching dreams. 

Duane was born in Salina, Kansas on October 1, 1939, the son of Ernie and Elsie (Schwarz) Thiel. He graduated from Gypsum Rural High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University. Duane married the love of this life, Judy A. Bowers on June 12, 1964, in Salina, Kansas. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, McPherson where he served as a deacon, on pastoral search committees, as well as a youth leader and Awana leader. 

Those attending the service should be comfortable. Whether it be, western gear, Wildcat pride or dressed in your Sunday best, this will be a celebration of Duane’s life.

Survivors include: two daughters, Jo Dee Westbrook (Mike) of Loveland, CO and Christine Stewart (Jeff) of Gardner, KS; brother, Russell Thiel (Rae) of Andover, KS; brother-in-law, Robin Bowers (Debbie) of Marquette, KS; five grandchildren, Taylor and Brock Stewart and Lucas, Allison, and Molly Westbrook; and many extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Mart Thiel and Thurston Thiel, as well as his loving wife of 55 years, Judy.

Visitation will be held at 10:00 AM at the First Baptist Church in McPherson, Kansas on November 11, 2024, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM with Pastor John Pattison officiating. The burial service begins at 2:00 PM at Temple Church Cemetery in Gypsum. 

To view a livestream broadcast of Duane's celebration of life service, PLEASE CLICK HERE

Memorial donations can be made to the First Baptist Church of McPherson or Temple Church of Gypsum, in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 N. Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.