Donald J. Thiel, 95, of rural Malta Bend, died Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2026. Born Sept. 18, 1930, in Norborne, he was the son of the late Leo Thiel and Katherine Pfister Thiel. He lived in the rural Malta Bend area most of his life and was a 1948 graduate of Malta Bend High School.

On April 7, 1951, he married Barbara E. Gauldin, who preceded him in death on Sept. 15, 2021.

Don was a lifelong farmer. He also served on the Central Rural Electric Board for 27 years, 14 of those as president.

Survivors include four children: Kathy Gauldin of Overland Park, Kan.; Jo Wilhite (Mike) of Overland Park, Kan., Billy Thiel (Sidney) of Marshall and Donnie Thiel (Martene) of rural Marshall; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two greatgreat- grandchildren; one brother, John Thiel (Catherine); as well as much extended family.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by one sister, Loretta Schieszer; and three brothers: Leo, George, and Louis Thiel.

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, at St. Peter Catholic Church with Fr. Jacob Hartman officiating. Burial followed in Union Cemetery near Malta Bend. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Peter Catholic Church or the Knights of Columbus Building Fund in care of Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.campbell- lewis.com