Joan M. Thiel

Joan M. Thiel, a devoted mother, wife, and friend, passed away on February 17th at the age of 94. Born on December 2, 1930, to Claud and Carol (Calmes) Pitsenberger, Joan was a lifelong resident of Indianapolis.

Joan graduated from Cathedral Grade School and St. Agnes Academy High School and later pursued higher education at Marian College. Her greatest joy in life came from caring for others, and she dedicated herself to raising her six children as a stay-at-home mom. Her love for gardening, knitting and cooking was only surpassed by her love for her family. A devout member of St. Pius X Church, Joan spent many years volunteering with the religious education program, touching the lives of countless individuals. Her faith and kindness inspired those around her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Rose Senior Living Center, who provided exceptional care and kindness to Joan during her residency.

Joan is preceded in death by Leonard, her loving husband of 61 years; her two sons Gerard and Michael; and her sister, Nancy Latendresse. She is survived by three daughters, Dianne (Wally) Dixon, Carolyn Land, and Amy (Tom) Hutsell; two sons, John (Guillermo) and Joseph (Chris) Thiel; 13 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; Sister Ann Pitsenberger, OSF, her sister; Thomas Pitsenberger, cousin; and several nieces and nephews.

The Eucharistic Celebration and Rite of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Pius X Church, 7200 Sarto Drive, Indianapolis, on Monday, February 24 at 1 p.m. The Visitation at the church begins at noon. Burial to follow at Our Lady of Peace cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Pius X Church or the Wounded Warriors Project.