Susan Thiel

Susan Pleger Thiel, age 66 of Lake Elmo died on June 4, 2020 with her family at her side.  Born on February 4, 1954, Susan grew up in Livonia, MI and Barrington IL.  She graduated with a BA in Theater from the University of Minnesota in 1976 and from Rosemount Tech in 1977 with a certificate in furniture finishing.

Susan ran her own custom woodworking shop for a few years early in her career.  She spent most of her working life, twenty years, as a special education assistant at Lake Elmo Elementary.  She loved her kids, and they loved her.

Susan would not have considered herself an artist, but she brought creativity to the stuff of everyday life for the people around her.  From thoughtful quilts to welcome new babies, outlandish Halloween costumes, and themed birthday parties, her personal touch was evident.   She marked events large and small from behind her camera.  Above all, she nurtured, encouraged, and gave space for others to pursue their own paths.

She was loving, stubborn, warm, and opinionated.  She was generous with her time and her home.  No one would be turned away for a meal or a place to sleep; friends, acquaintances, and strangers alike were always welcome.  She will be missed.

Susan was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Frances Pleger.

She is survived by her husband and partner of nearly 45 years, Brad Thiel; her children, Zoe Thiel (Micah) and Tristan Thiel (Lina), as well as her siblings, Daniel Pleger and Marian Klieber, and her grandson, Sam.

A Celebration of Life is to be planned for at a later date.  Memorials preferred to Second Harvest Heartland.