Dwayne Thiel

Dwayne Thiel, 80, passed away peacefully on July 17 at Sanford Hospital from many health issues stemming from diabetes. 

A memorial service will be held at 1:00PM, Monday, July 22 at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck. 

Interment at a later date at the family farm cemetery in Almont, North Dakota. 

Dwayne was born to Sam and Elvira (Ramsland) Thiel on November 13, 1943. He grew up on the family farm west of Almont. Dwayne had many great memories helping with farm work, riding horseback and doing some rodeoing. He attended country school and later Almont Public School. He learned to play trumpet at school and played for town events, talent shows, funerals and other events. He graduated in 1962 and attended Dickinson State College, majoring in music. Dwayne decided that teaching wasn’t for him, so he enrolled at Capital Commercial College. His time at college honed his skills as a conversationist. 

On June 3rd, 1967, he married his favorite teacher, Marion Marquart. In 1974, Jeffrey “Jeff” was born. He brought much love and enjoyment into their lives. 

Dwayne discovered his love of meeting people and his gift of gab could be used to earn a living and he became a very successful salesman. He worked at JC Penney selling automotive supplies. He moved to KFYR Radio and later KFYR TV selling advertising. He finished his sales career at Bismarck Tire Center. He and Marion also operated a café at Brush Lake on weekends during the summer. 

After retirement, Dwayne and Marion decided to travel. Jeff, knowing a good idea when he hears one, retired too and accompanied the two on their journeys. Dwayne’s love of meeting new people never dwindled over the years which led him to meeting many, many acquaintances. His love of adventure and sightseeing never lessened over the years either and he and Marion eventually sold their home, most of their possessions and began full-time RVing, seeing much of the country.

Dwayne’s health began to decline, so the RV was sold and the family settled in Bullhead City, AZ. He became bedridden but was surrounded by wonderful people and he coped. The family eventually moved back to ND due to his health issues. 

Over the years, he met and befriended many wonderful healthcare professionals. Not many people get to know the ambulance and fire department personnel, almost everyone at Sanford ER, and many many wonderful nurses on numerous floors at Sanford. He would want to say a big THANKS to all of you. Dwayne also met the wonderful nurses and caregivers from Sanford Home Health and Bismarck Senior Home Care.

Dwayne is survived by his wife, Marion and their son, Jeff (his loving caregivers for over a decade); his brother, Donavon (Darlene), Bismarck; his nephews, Dean in Fargo, Dave (Sherry) in Rochester, MN; Ryan; niece, Megan; brother-in-law, Bernie Marquart, Napoleon; sister-in-law, Sandy (Rick) Harris, Anderson Island, WA and many nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Elvira Thiel. 

Dwayne was known by many. His family wants to thank everyone for taking all of his calls. It was his way to stay in touch after he couldn’t walk. We loved him dearly and will miss him very much. Fly high on the wings of angels. 

The last message to all who knew Dwayne and knew he loved a good joke; He did learn how to spell “Czechoslovakia” before he met St. Peter.