Patricia “Pat” Thiel, age 78 of Graettinger, passed away on Sunday, March 29, 2026 at the Estherville Community Care Center. Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, April 7, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. Visitation was from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Monday, April 6, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger. There was a Catholic Daughters of America Rosary at 3:45 pm on Monday. Burial took place at St. Jacob’s Catholic Cemetery in Graettinger. Services were entrusted to Martin Mattice Funeral Home of Emmetsburg.
Patricia Erma Jean Thiel, the daughter of Charles and Norma (Brewer) Emmons, was born on March 2, 1948, in Greeley, Colorado. She graduated from Allen High School in 1966. Following high school, she attended Wayne State College, receiving her bachelor’s degree in 1970. She then began working in Mallard and Ruthven teaching home economics and typing. On August 3, 1974, she was united in marriage to Charles Henry Thiel at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger.
After marriage, Pat helped Charles on the farm, then worked at Horizons for a few years, and returned to teaching special education at various schools. She was a long-time substitute teacher and was then hired full time in Okoboji. She later taught in Alden, Minnesota for two years, then the Alternative High Schools in Fairmont, Emmetsburg, Elmore Academy and Laurens Marathon. She ended her work career as a secretary at the Fairmont Clinic.
Pat was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Graettinger, taking part in teaching Catechism, Catholic Daughters of America, Rosary Society, and making altar clothes at church. She enjoyed sewing potholders and clothing, including her own wedding gown, making quilting blocks for quilts, and both floral and vegetable gardening. She canned and froze her own garden vegetables. In retirement, Pat collected sewing machines. She thought that if the guys could collect tractors then she could collect sewing machines.
Left to cherish Pat’s memory is her son, Charlie Thiel of Graettinger; a brother, Phillip Emmons of South Sioux City, NE; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Norma; husband, Charles; and brothers, George and Charles Emmons.
