Gerald M. Thiel

Gerald M. "Jerry" Thiel, 65, an Eastpointe resident passed away Friday, October 3, 2014 at St. John Hospital in Detroit. Jerry was born as the second son, of a total of six sons, to Herbert F. and Pauline R. Thiel (nee: Thomas) in Ray Township, Michigan on March 17, 1949. While attending Clintondale High School he met and later married Rita L. Sanabria on July 6, 1968. They lived in Utica and Eastpointe where they raised their two daughters. Mr. Thiel was a great help to his neighbors. He was known to complete the snow removal duties with his snow blower for neighbors up and down his street. When his daughters were young Jerry volunteered at their school and was very involved in their lives. Jerry was a proud son, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who was very thankful that he lived to see the progression of his family. Among the things Jerry was passionate about was traveling, cruises, Las Vegas, Arizona and camping with his family. Mr. Thiel is survived by his wife of 46 years, Rita L.; daughters, Dawn (James) Walny and Cheri Adams (Wendy Robinson); mother, Pauline R.Thiel; grandchildren, Clinton (Brooke) Walny, Jacob Walny, Adam Walny, Brandon Annarino, Dani Annarino, Timothy Annarino and Aleah Adams; great-grandchildren Aubree Walny and Connor Walny; brothers, David (Linda) Thiel, Rick (Donna) Thiel, Herb (Laura) Thiel and Todd Thiel. Jerry was pre-deceased by his father, Herbert Thiel and brother, Thomas Thiel.