Richard Walter Thiel passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the age of 70. He was born in Washington, Missouri on July 2, 1955, to Walter "Butch" and Anna Marie (Huellinghoff) Thiel.

Rick, as he was known to family and friends, grew up working at the family business, "Old Dutch Tavern & Hotel," in downtown Washington. After graduating from Washington High School, he committed thirty-five years of skilled labor to Roy Gittemeier Contractors and was a proud member of Carpenters Union Local #1839 for fifty-one years.

He was united in marriage to Karen (Brautigam) and together they built their home in Marthasville.  They were blessed with two children, Lynnette and Nicholas. A master of his craft, Rick's vision for the farm lived entirely in his mind, building every structure on the property, needing no blueprints to bring his imagination to life.

Rick had a passion for raising horses and cattle. He enjoyed the camaraderie at the Dutzow Ballpark where he would often be found visiting friends, enjoying a burger, and supporting the kids. Rick was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing and the companionship of his dogs. He was very clever, always calculating a witty way to win at everything, but most of all Rick was known for his big heart.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter "Butch" and Anna Marie Thiel; sister, Barbara Giesike; brother-in-law, William "Bill" Giesike, III; and father-in-law, Leonard Brautigam.

Rick is survived by his loving wife of thirty-five years, Karen Thiel of Marthasville; children, Lynnette and Nicholas Thiel (Heather), both of Marthasville; sister, Joyce Johnson of Washington; mother-in-law, Shirley Brautigam of Union; two brothers-in-law, Kenny Brautigam of Union, and Kevin Brautigam (Beverly) of Washington; sister-in-law, Kelly Schwoeppe (Bill) of Marthasville; and many other relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 18, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Dutzow, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dutzow Community Club .

The family would like to thank those who touched his life and the lives of his family during his illness and this difficult time.