Love, laughter, friendship, music, food, a twinkling of the eyes, a smile that showed kindness, friendliness that had no bounds, a curiosity that was passed on to her children and countless students, a firm commitment to Christ, and the ability to always be positive, no matter what...this is the legacy of Susan Thiel.

Susan Frances (Evans) Thiel, 84, died on July 12, 2026, at the Wings Home in Allegan, Michigan after spending 23 days in hospice with loved ones.

Susan was born on February 22, 1942, in Flint, Michigan to Dallas & Frances (McCullough) Evans. She grew up in nearby Davison, Michigan and graduated from Davison High School at the age of 16, an accomplishment her brother has never let her forget. Susan attended Hillsdale College, where she met her future husband in the college choir, and graduated in 1962 with her bachelor’s degree. She then attended the University of Michigan, where she received a master's degree in guidance and counseling. Susan married her college sweetheart, Jackie Hugh Thiel, on August 3, 1963, in Davison.

Sue began working for Allegan Public Schools immediately and served as both teacher and counselor throughout her 27 years with the district. She started teaching at Allegan Junior High in 1963. When their children were young, she was a counselor for the adult ed program at night. After their children were all in school, she worked as an elementary counselor. When her position was eliminated, she became an English teacher at L.E. White Junior High. Sue finished out her career serving students as a guidance counselor at Allegan High School. Ever the English teacher, she worked as a proofreader for the Allegan County News, serving her community even in retirement. To this day, her students still talk about her class, and she continued to answer grammar and spelling questions from her own children, even while she was in hospice.

Sue loved playing the piano, especially for her church. Sue played the piano for Sunday School, Bible School, and any other time someone asked for or needed a pianist. She also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles and playing games of all kinds…and was especially amazing at word games. She passed her love of games on to her children and grandchildren.

Sue created photo books for each of her grandchildren as they grew up, as a reminder of their activities and experiences from the prior year. Together with Jack, they enjoyed attending musical theater, traveling during the summer and camping when the family was young.

A hallmark of being friends with Sue was that she was a loyal, lifelong friend. She was, in turn, cherished and honored by so many. She taught her students the importance of this and instilled in her children this extraordinary way of being a friend. She led by example - friends bloomed in her laughter, focus, and deep, meaningful friendship.

Sue was an amazing cook and also loved to bake. Anyone who received her famous poppyseed bread, chocolate brownies, or monster cookies considered themselves lucky. Her children often didn't appreciate being guinea pigs for new recipes she found, so she invited people over for the express purpose of trying new recipes. Sue also used her passion for cooking for many years while delivering food to elderly friends in addition to the staff at the Wings Home.

Over the years, Sue and Jack enjoyed spending time with friends. Bridge Club met monthly to enjoy a meal and play bridge. They also had a Gourmet Group that met monthly to share food and try new global recipes. Food was always about nourishing, learning, and feeding the people she loved. Sharing new and old recipes was a lifelong passion. She even created a cookbook for each child when he/she moved out of the home and often invited her grandchildren to “play” in the kitchen with her.

Sue was a strong Christian woman who was raised in the Baptist church but became an awesome Methodist! Sue loved and welcomed everyone and had a wonderful sense of humor. She would offer to feed you every time you came to their home, and there would always be some kind of chocolate to share…especially with the neighbor kids who were walking home from school.

Sue is survived by her four children: Dallas (Lauren) Thiel, Marisa Wieger, Christina Thiel, Matthew (Nikole) Thiel; six grandchildren: Logan (Jason) Malling, Allie Thiel, Cade Thiel, Hugh Thiel, Chapin (Claire) Thiel, Dallas Wieger; two great-grandchildren: Emersyn Malling, Myles Malling; brother Dallas (Karen) Evans, and many special nieces and nephews, as well as an honorary daughter and caregiver, Grace Holmes. Sue was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and son-in-law, Michael Wieger.

The family would like to extend special thanks to all the amazing staff at Wings Home of Allegan for providing such loving care during Mom's final 23 days.

Sue's memorial service will be on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 12:00 PM with a two-hour visitation before, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, at the Allegan United Methodist Church, 409 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI 49010. A luncheon will follow the service in the church's fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to one of the following in memory of Sue:

Wings Home, 330 Linn St., Allegan, MI 49010,

Allegan UMC Food Pantry, 409 Trowbridge St., Allegan, MI 49010, or

Jack and Susan Thiel Music Fund at the Allegan County Community Foundation, 112 Locust Street, Allegan, MI 49010. The primary purpose of the fund is to provide camp scholarships and instrument rental grants for younger students. Checks may be made payable to the Allegan County Community Foundation, with "Jack and Susan Thiel Music Fund" noted in the memo line. Online donations to the ACCF may be made directly here: https://allegan.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=1206