Maynard "Bert" Thiel was called peacefully to his heavenly home on Friday, July 31, 2020 surrounded by his loving family at his home of 67 years in Pella. Bert was born on May 4, 1926 to Art and Ann (Klement) Thiel in Leopolis. He attended Marion High School.

Bert was called to serve his country in the United States Army during WWII serving in Germany from 1944 – 1947. Upon returning home from service, he attended a try out camp for the Boston Braves and accepted a contract in 1947 which started his professional baseball career of 28 years as a pitcher, scout, coach and manager. In 1948, while playing in Jackson, Mississippi, Bert met the love of his life, a southern belle, Jean Helen Duncan. Together, they celebrated 61 years of marriage and created a baseball team of their own. He was most proud of managing his four sons (all at the same time) for the Leopolis baseball team.

During his off season of baseball, Bert enjoyed logging with his father and sons. After Bert's baseball retirement, Bert and Jean owned and operated "Bert's 10 ^th Inning" tavern for 10 years enjoying the regular patrons and meeting many new friends along the way.

Bert loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing up at Wilson Lake, gardening, mushroom picking, and spending time at his "80", but most importantly spending time with his family and playing cards; always ending with "double or nothing". Another favorite past time was listening to polka music with Hauser Hot Shots and watching Molly B.

Bert was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, Leopolis for over 70 years serving as a catechist and lector.

Our dad loved to visit, laugh, share stories, and hear how you were doing. No one was ever a stranger to him. If he didn't know you, his handshake and warm smile would be followed by, "I think I should know you".

Bert is survived by 5 daughters and 4 sons, Susan (Joe) Parley, Greg Thiel, Debbie (Larry) Swick, Kevin (Deb) Thiel, Brian Thiel, Lisa (Jim) Stock, Pat (Mike) Samz, Kelly (Kelly Sue) Thiel, and Jenny (Ron) Austreng; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; a brother, Carl (Jean) Thiel; brother-in-law, John (Donna) Duncan; sister-in-law, Mary Duncan; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Jean; parents; siblings, Wilbur (Delores), Wally (Wanda & Lee), Art Jr. (Lou), Jack (Janet), and LaVaun (Bud) Much; and many beloved in-laws.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic a private funeral mass will be held for Bert at 1:00 pm, on Friday, August 7, 2020 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Leopolis with Fr. John Girotti officiating. Burial will take place in the church cemetery with military rites performed by the United States Army and the Caroline American Legion. Public visitation will be held under the tent outside of church on Friday, at the church, from 9:30 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Pella First Responders.

"Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master." Matthew 25:21

Bert's family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr's Williams and Born and ThedaCare staff, Dreier's Pharmacy, Erickson's Pharmacy, and ThedaCare Hospice, especially Kristy and Tammy for the compassionate care given to our dad.