Former Evanston Fire Chief Dies at 97
Willard Thiel Sr. was born Nov. 13, 1915 in Evanston and served the Evanston Fire Department for 36 years, rising to the position of Fire Chief before he retired. He died Jan. 4, 2013.
Willard M. Thiel, Sr. age 97 of Northbrook formerly of Evanston, who served the Evanston Fire Department for 36 years, retiring as Chief. Mr. Thiel was born November 13, 1915 in Evanston. Beloved husband of 69 years of the late Ruth R. Thiel; loving father of Marilyn (the late William) Knilans, Willard M. Jr. (Jacqueline) Thiel and Susan (Mark) Pelletier; cherished grandfather of David (Jana), Jeffrey (Kimberly), Timothy (Melissa) Pelletier and Edward (Jessica) Thiel; devoted great grandfather of Delaney, Olivia, Benjamin and Elsa Pelletier; fond uncle of many; also survived by many dear friends. Visitation Tuesday, January 8, 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. at Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL 60077…
