Lora J. Thiel

Thiel, Lora Johanna

Webster, NY: Monday, January 24, 2011. Lora Johanna Thiel (nee Huppenbauer), 83, Webster, NY, died January 23, 2011 in her home surrounded by her family. She was born in Rochester, NY on August 20, 1927 to Emma and Emil Huppenbauer. Lora spent her childhood years in Rochester and then relocated to Neuhausen, Germany with her family in 1939 at the start of World War II. In 1946, at the end of the war and at the young age of 18, Lora boarded the first ship allowed to return to the United States. She was entrusted with the care of her brother Norman, who was 12. Lora raised Norman into adulthood on her own. Lora met the love of her life, Kurt Karl Thiel, appropriately at The German Club. They have been married for over 63 years. She provided unflagging support to her husband throughout his many years as a successful businessman and simultaneously operated her own housing rental company, all while raising her six children. She was a remarkable woman who did not know the words "rest" or "relax." She was one of a unique kind and we will miss her and think of her daily. Taking care of family and others became the focus of her life. Lora is best known for her love of her large family, her big heart, her boundless energy, her parties, her unparalleled work ethic, her compassion for others, her take-charge attitude, her delicious and prodigious cooking (most notably her exquisite German potato salad), her crocheting, and her wonderful sense of humor. After retirement, Lora and Kurt enjoyed traveling throughout North America in their RV, participating in church activities, and spending time with their children and grandchildren. In her final fifteen years, Lora faced many serious health challenges. Yet she was able to overcome them with fortitude, a positive attitude and a strong spirit. She continued to care for her husband, family and others and to lead a full and active life until her most recent diagnosis of cancer last year. She will live on in our memories, through the lives she touched with her generosity, and in the wonderful characteristics and qualities she passed on to her children. She was a devoted and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Lora was a model of virtue and sacrifice, always putting others first. Lora is survived by her husband, Kurt, and her six children: Sandra Theodore (Alex), Coweta, Oklahoma; Daniel Thiel (Elizabeth), Webster, NY; Dr. Robert Thiel (Leslie), Chesapeake, VA; Kathlene Thiel (J. Eric King), Albany, NY; Wanda Amann (Paul), Salt Lake City, UT; Kurt Thiel II (Sara), Canandaigua, NY. She also leaves behind 15 grandchildren; Aristotle (Dea) Theodore, Andrew (Kelly) Theodore, Christopher Theodore, Alexis Ray (Jacob), Kara Kelleher Keefner, Shelby Kelleher, Leah Thiel, Rose Thiel, Katherine Thiel, Kassaundra Amann, Grant Amann, Holly Thiel, Hannah Thiel, Daniel Thiel II, Anna Thiel and seven great-grandchildren. Lora is also survived by her brothers Walter Huppenbauer (Esslingen, Germany) and Gerhard Huppenbauer (Berlin, Germany).

Family and friends may call Wednesday, January 26th from 5-8 PM at the New Comer Funeral Home, 6 Empire Blvd. Funeral Services will be held Thursday at 11 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 275 Whipple Lane. Interment, Irondequoit Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions in celebration of Lora's life can be made to: Camp Massawepie Dining Hall Seneca Waterways Council BSA, 474 East Avenue, Rochester, NY 14607 and Lollipop Farm Humane Society of Greater Rochester, 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.