Jerry Richard Thiel, 75, of Kuna died Monday, October 3, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Jerry had fought a courageous battle against cancer. Jerry was born November 11, 1940 in Idaho Falls, the sixth of 14 children born to Allen John and Sara Alice Slifer Thiel. He attended Holy Rosary Elementary School in Idaho Falls. He went on to graduate from Idaho Falls High School in 1958. He attended Idaho State University. Jerry was raised on a farm, and then as an adult farmed for 10 years before training to be a heavy equipment mechanic. He began working for Morrison-Knudsen in 1971. He eventually trained to design air brake systems for locomotives and worked in the engineering department. Jerry worked a total for 41_ at M-K, M-K Rail and then Motive Power. He enjoyed his work and was very talented at it. He retired in July of 2012. Jerry was married to Diantha Picanco on December 22, 1970 in Elko, Nevada. Their marriage was solemnized in the Boise LDS Temple on September 22, 1990. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many positions in the church, and especially loved to work with the Boy Scouts, and he was always involved in serving others. Jerry and Diantha had a large and loving family. They loved to take trips across the county and to foreign lands. Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother; a daughter Erinn; two brothers, Carol and Gene. Jerry is survived by his wife of nearly 46 years Diantha; his children: Rick (Julie) of Washington D.C., Linda of Portland, Oregon, Mike (Karen) of Kuna, Jordan (Ashlea) of Boise, Allissa (Jimmy) of Kuna, Christa (Jason) of Harare, Zimbabwe, Danielle (Jim) of Idaho Falls and Chase (Meghan) of Laramie, Wyoming. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Skylar, Karina, Ruby, Kellen, Kai, Beckett, Penelope, Olive, Nolan, Randall, Kate, Eli, Afton, and Sonja. And Jerry is survived by his siblings: Allen, Kathleen, Bill, Ceeann, Sarah Alice, Mary, Cheryl, Tony, Mickey, Susie, and Laurie. We would like to thank our Oncologist Dr. Ben Bridges, the wonderful nursing staff at St. Luke's Meridian MSTI, and the caring staff at Aspen Transitional Rehab. He will be sorely missed. A memorial service in Jerry's honor will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 8 at the Kuna First Ward Chapel, 224 E. Avalon St. in Kuna. The family invites those who would like to gather and share memories to join them Saturday morning from 9 to 9:45 a.m. at the church prior to the services. Arrangements are under the direction of Zeyer Funeral Chapel, Nampa. 467-7300. Service: Saturday, October 8, 2016 10:00 a.m. With a family visitation from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. Prior to the Services Kuna First Ward LDS Chapel 224 East Avalon Street Kuna, Idaho
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