Virgen “Virg” Thiel
Virgen “Virg” Thiel 89, of Medford, passed away Friday, July 18, 2025 surrounded by family and under the care of St. Croix Hospice. Virgen was born Jan. 2, 1936 to Max and Louisa Kaczinski of DeWitt, Iowa. She grew up on the family farm with three brothers and seven sisters. She graduated from Welton High School, Welton, Iowa. After high school she retained a job at a local insurance agency.
In 1956 Virgen married Edward Thiel. They started out as dairy farmers in Calmaus, Iowa. In 1971 Edward and Virgen moved to Little Black. They ran a nice size dairy farm milking approximately 65 head of Holstein cattle, and farming approximately 300 acres of land. They later divorced and auctioned the farm in 1994.
Virgen was always busy milking cows, doing field work and making a home. She was an excellent cook and baker and on Saturday mornings there were always made-from-scratch caramel/pecan cinnamon rolls; they never lasted long. She was very active in the farm bureau as acting secretary. In addition to the farm life she sold Avon door-to-door and was a member of the local homemakers group and Tops, where she met and became friends with many fabulous women through the years. She also had a part-time job at Copps IGA doing food demonstrations. She later got a job at True Value Hardware (later called Ace Hardware) where she worked for 27 years. In her later years she went to part-time until she finally fully retired at the age of 82, and everywhere she went people recognized her from the hardware store. You could find her at the bowling alley where she bowled couples league and the Monday women’s league. She also met up with her sisters to bowl in tournaments. Going to the casino was also another favorite pastime; she enjoyed playing the penny slots and won a few times. Virgen was very fortunate to have been able to travel to places like Hawaii, San Diego and the Bahamas, and several times to Las Vegas and Arizona.
She formed a special friendship with James Prell. They later became engaged and enjoyed many happy
1936-2025
years together. They had many adventures for the next 30 years, like traveling to different casinos. They went to Arizona often and sometimes Las Vegas. Jim loved to drive, so many times they just got in the car and went on an adventure.
She loved to spend time with her brothers and sisters. They would often get together on the annual fishing trips in Fond du Lac. Spending time with her grandchildren and seeing her great-grandchildren was always a treasure for her.
Virgen is survived by her children, Heidi (Thomas) Apfelbeck of Westboro and Todd (Shizue) Thiel of Birchwood; five grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild: Jason (Korissa) Fettes and children Leon, Annette and Zander Fettes of Hatley; Jeffery (Sarah) Fettes and children Maison Fettes of Medford and Devin (Breanna Wagner) Fries and their daughter Braea Fries of Phillips and Mackenzie (Zach) Meier of Medford; Candice (Aaron) Hoffman and children Olivia Thorson, Kegan, Aurora and Isla Hoffman of Green Bay; Justin (Reba) Thiel and children Ayden & Maria Thiel and Nala, Chayton & Aiden Moose of Westboro; and Brittnay Thiel Lafortune and her daughter Brooklynn LaFortune of Medford. Also sisters, Bev (Ed) Peterman of DeWitt, Iowa; Patrica Cahill of Delmar, Iowa; Judy Tsudi of Virginia; brothers, Paul (Arlene) Kaczinski and Kenneth Kaczinski of Delmar, Iowa.
Virgen was proceeded in death by her parents; brother, Max; sisters, Mary, Marcella, Betty and Sandra; and James Prell.
Funeral services were held Thursday, July 24, 2025 at Holy Rosary Church with Father Patrick officiating. Visitation was from 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. and a full mass was at 11 a.m. with a luncheon following.
The family is so incredibly thankful for the support of Our House Assisted Living and St. Croix hospice for all the love and support they gave to Virgen and family during this journey.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Croix Hospice or the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Medford.
Hemer-Pickerign Funeral & Cremation Services of Medford is serving the family.
Please visit www.hemerfuneralservice.com to share condolences online.
Paid Obituary 171787
