Dr. Joe E. Thiele

Joe Edward Thiele, a devoted husband, father, educator, and community servant, passed away peacefully on July 20, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on May 25, 1936, in Perry, Illinois, Joe was the son of Dale and Dienie Thiele of Perry.

Joe attended Perry Schools and graduated from high school in 1954. In his youth, he delivered the GRIT newspaper, helped his Uncle Buddy at his grocery store, and enjoyed listening to St. Louis Cardinals baseball games, playing basketball, and sharing his musical talents on the trombone.

A lifelong learner, Joe earned four advanced degrees: a bachelor’s from Western Illinois University, a Master’s and Certificate of Advanced Study from Northern Illinois University, and a Doctorate of Education from Northern Illinois University.

Joe dedicated his life to education and public service, impacting countless lives throughout his career. He began as a junior high teacher, coach, and referee, later serving as superintendent of schools in Rochelle, Illinois, and as principal and superintendent in the Lindenwood and Esmond communities. He also worked with the Regional Service Center in DeKalb and Rockford, Illinois, supporting area schools with his expertise and leadership.

A man of deep faith, Joe was baptized into Christ in 1959 and was an active member of the Rochelle Church of Christ for many decades. He served as an elder, treasurer, Bible class teacher, song leader, and occasional preacher. He helped construct the church building and shared Sunday morning messages on WRHL radio for many years, spreading encouragement and the word of God to the wider community.

From 1958 to 2020, Joe called Rochelle home, where he loved his neighbors and dedicated himself to civic service. He served on the city Planning Commission and was a leader in the local Lions Club. While a Rochelle Lion, he always enjoyed Rose Day and selling fresh sweet corn out of the back of a truck every Saturday during corn season. He received the Lions Club Melvin Jones Fellow Award, and was named Illinois Children’s Advocate of the Year. He was honored to be named the Rochelle Community Leader of the year. His passion for his community was evident in everything he did, and he cherished the friendships and connections built over a lifetime of service.

On May 4, 1957, Joe married his beloved wife, Norma Miller. Together, they shared 68 years and 78 days of marriage, raising two children, Debra and Mark, and creating a legacy of love, faith, and family devotion.

Joe is survived by his wife, Norma of Wylie, Texas; daughter Debra (Craig) Sweet of Wylie, Texas; son Mark (Michelle) Thiele of Greencastle, Pennsylvania; grandchildren Jonathan (Lori) Sweet of Pullman, Washington; Daniel Sweet of Greenwich, Connecticut; Michael (Amanda) Sweet of Hutto, Texas; Megan (Jason) Elmore of Tampa, Florida; and Paris Thiele of San Diego, California. He was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Logan, Allison, Addyson, Landon, Anniston, Annabelle, and Luke.

He is also survived by his brother Bill (Barbara) Thiele of Florida; sister Linda (Ron) Boston of Illinois; sister-in-law Brenda Bonnett of Pittsfield, Illinois; and nieces and nephews Becky Aiken, Brent Bonnett, Kent Bonnett, Gina (Randy) Harris, Greg (Kim) Bonnett, Jody (Todd) Koebler, Jake (Tasha) Bartlett, Jackie (Tom) Cuclich, and Jennifer Hoffman, as well as many great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Lloyd and Irene “Ma” Miller (whom he loved like a mother); brother Jack and nephew Darin Thiele.

Joe’s unwavering dedication to faith, family, education, and community service leaves behind a legacy of kindness, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials are: - The David Crawford Foundation 1401 Flagg Road Rochelle, IL 61068 c/o Jason Harper jharper@rths212.org - The Rochelle Lions Club Box 283 Rochelle, IL 61068 rochellelionsclub@gmail.com - Sacred Selections (sacredselections.org)