Robert J. Thiele, 61 of Elgin, NE, passed away Friday, May 27, 2011 at his home southwest of Elgin, NE.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Raeville, NE with Rev. Ross Burkhalter officiating. Interment will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be 4:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, at the church with a 7:30 p.m. wake service.

Robert James Thiele, son of Vincent and Marie (Pistulka) Thiele, was born February 12, 1950 in Tilden, NE. He began his education at District #131, a one-room school house near Clearwater, NE. He then attended St. Boniface High School in Elgin, NE and graduated with the class of 1969 from Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School in Elgin. He continued his education at Milford Technical College in Architectural Drafting, and then worked 1½ years in construction before taking the assistant manager position at Millard Lumber.

On August 21, 1971, Robert was united in marriage to Nancy Marie Meis at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Raeville, NE. The couple made their home in the Omaha area until 1974, when they moved from to their current home southwest of Elgin, NE. Robert began farming and continued the rest of his career.

Robert was a member of St. Bonaventure Catholic Church since 1974 and was an active member of AA for 24 years. He was on the Pope John Development Committee for over 20 years; founding the “Grain for the Brain” program and was dedicated to selling raffle tickets. He was also a board member for the Farmers Coop Exchange and Pope John School Board. Robert was honored in 2010 to receive the Roncalli Award for his dedication and support to the Pope John Community.

Robert was a fair and just man. He thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, Texas Hold-em, Bowling and Casino Blackjack.

Bob is survived by his wife Nancy of 39 years; 4 children: Candice Rastrelli and husband Dr. Peter of Round Lake, IL; Amy Weber and husband Joel of Dorchester, NE; James Thiele and wife Kiley of Louisville, NE; Dr. Kevin Thiele and wife Sarah of Parkston, SD; 10 grandchilren: Megan, Michael, Macson, and Miller Rastrelli; Christian, Jacob, and Sophia Weber; Payton and Malin Thiele; and Madeline Thiele ; his father Vincent Thiele of Clearwater, NE; one sister: Kathryn Wells and husband Dennis of Beatrice, NE; one brother John Thiele and wife Patty of Clearwater, NE; mother-in-law: Sally Meis of Petersburg, NE; sister-in-law: Sam Murray of Phoenix, AZ; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother Marie Thiele; 3 brothers: Tommy, Joey and Pat Thiele; and father-in-law Leonard Meis.