Lillie "Ann" Thiel

Lillie “Ann” Thiel (Nelson), 87, of O’Fallon Missouri passed away February 13th, 2025, peacefully at home. Preceded in death by her loving husband Richard Thiel; granddaughter Alissa Robinson; two brothers, Fred Nelson, Robert Nelson; sister Louise Mae; parents Oscar Fred Nelson and Lillie Rachel Nelson.

Ann is survived by her family; Sister Ethel Hildebrecht; sister in law Arlene Thiel; devoted mother of four children; Sharon Phillips, Michael Thiel, Lisa Carey, Betsy Knapp (husband Cory). Loving grandmother to ten grandchildren; Katie Ferrari (husband Sean), James Phillips, Michael Thiel, Amber Thiel, Justin Carey, Amanda Wood (husband Robert), Dylan Thiel (wife Bionka), Joshua Knapp (wife Hannah), Logan Knapp, and Luke Knapp. Grandma Great to many treasured great grandchildren.

Ann was born July 20th, 1937, in St. Louis Missouri. She graduated Fairview Highschool, Jennings Missouri in 1955 and went on to complete two years of college at Central Methodist University. Ann met Rich Thiel at a Steak N Shake and later married on September 5th, 1959, after a loving courtship. Ann and Rich lived most of their married life in Bridgeton Missouri where Ann was active in her community as a devoted member of Arlington Methodist Church, a volunteer for the Bridgeton Historical Society, Meals on Wheels, as well as many neighborhood and school events. Ann was well known by the City of Bridgeton work community as a receptionist for City Hall.

Ann was an avid shopper and enjoyed getting the best bargains at garage sales, or from her discounts received as a sales associate with Sears. Ann had a zest for life. She enjoyed adventures with her friends whether it be traveling, bowling, playing cards, camping, or just down right partying it up. Ann was most at peace surrounded by family sitting on a white beach looking out at the ocean. Later in life Ann’s relationship with Jesus grew stronger as she continued her spiritual journey attending Grace River Church. She will be greatly missed and forever remembered by everyone she touched.

Memorials can be made in the name of Ann Thiel to Five Acres Animal Shelter.