Peter L. Thiel, age 95, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2026 in his home at Touchmark Assisted Living, Appleton, Wisconsin. Peter was born in Appleton, on January 14, 1931, the son of Leland W. and Ruth F, (Rogers) Thiel. He spent his early boyhood years playing along the Fox River upon land that was homesteaded in 1850 by his Great-great grandfather, Richard Rogers.

Peter graduated from Appleton high school, in 1949. Following high school, he attended Oshkosh State Teachers College, only to be interrupted by the Korean War in February of 1951. He enlisted into the United States Air Force and served three years in a communication support squadron for headquarters USAF in Wiesbaden, Germany.

Following his military service, he entered the University of Wisconsin in 1954 he entered the University of Wisconsin in Madison and graduated in 1959 with a degree in Mining and Metallurgy, specializing in Petroleum Engineering. It was in Madison that he became reacquainted with Helen E. Taylor, a childhood classmate from Appleton and now a senior graduating from the University. Peter and Helen were married February 3, 1957 in the First Congregational Church in Appleton. In the following years they were blessed with four children, namely Mark, Lisa, Jennifer, and Douglas.

Peter was employed for a number of years in engineering, marketing, and sales management for Rexnord Inc., a manufacturer of construction equipment and mechanical power transmission components. Peter and family lived in Milwaukee, Cleveland, Detroit, and Easton, MD.

Prior to his retirement Peter was a sales and engineering consultant for Cambridge/Regina, Inc. located in Cambridge, MD. Upon retirement in 1998, Peter and Helen returned to Appleton to aid in the care of their elderly parents.

Over the years Peter was involved in many organizations which included, The Society of Mayflower Descendants, The Thomas Rogers Society, Fox Valley Torch Club, Sons of the American Revolution, Fox Valley Bonsai Society, Outagamie Philatelic Society, and several other historical and genealogy organizations. Peter had an eye for art and produced many great works using many different mediums to include watercolor painting, stone carving, bonsai sculpting and photography. He enjoyed many outside activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, golf, and travel.

Peter is survived by his son, Mark Thiel from Ramsey, MN, daughters Lisa (Thomas) Campbell, Draper, UT, Jennifer (Warren) Brant, Crystal, MN, and son, Douglas (Maureen) Thiel, Somers, CT. His brother, Roger Thiel, Appleton, WI and Sister, June (Vern) Stenli, Sioux Falls, SD. Peter is also survived by ten grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his wife, Helen, sister-in-law Elizabeth, brother-in-law Reed, and his parents.

Memorial service to be held September 26th at the First Congregational Church at 724 E South River Street, Appleton, WI. Specific Service times are still being determined. Please check back.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Fox Valley Bonsai Society, 653 Rusch Drive, Combined Locks, WI 54113.