Edward R. "Junie" Theel, Jr.

Edward R. “Junie” Theel, Jr., 89, of McFarland, KS, passed away at his home Saturday, August 9, 2008. He had been a lifelong resident of the area. He was born June 11, 1919 in McFarland, the son of Edward and Lenna (TenEyck) Theel. He graduated from Alma High School in 1938. On June 27, 1948, he married Inez Mathies at Trinity Lutheran Church in McFarland. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this year. Junie was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church of McFarland, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was also a member of the Alma American Legion and was sexton for his church for several years. He was a veteran of the US Army during World War II from 1941 – 1945. He served in Europe with the 36th Infantry G Company and 3rd Armored Division earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. Junie participated in the Normandy Invasion at Omaha Beach in France and received the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, and the American Defense Service Ribbon among several other honors. Following his return home from his military service, he worked at his father’s hardware store for a couple years before starting his career in farming north of McFarland. Junie was a farmer and stockman until his retirement in 1992 and moving to town due to health reasons. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, trapping, picking walnuts and peeling apples. He was also able to spend more time with his woodworking after retirement. Junie also enjoyed watching sports and telling stories about his favorite times playing football and baseball as a youth. Survivors include his wife, Inez Theel of McFarland; his seven children and their spouses, Donna and Fred Johnson, Julie and Don Meseke, Dennis and Melissa Theel, Warren and Roberta Theel, Doris and Bob Schmidt, all of Alma, KS, Steven and Cindy Theel of Wamego,KS, Nancy and Bruce Arnold of Manhattan, KS; one sister, Mildred Shelinbarger of Brandenton, FL; 18 grandchildren, Freddie, Rich and Matt Johnson, Allison King, Kelly Whaley, Haley Theel, Jerry and Jeff Arnold, Jennifer Salmans, Jarrod and Darrin Meseke, Kasey Whitaker, Shane, Nathan, Adam and Todd Theel, Cole and Clay Schmidt; 4 step-grandchildren, James and Chad Greeson, Brian Pinick and Stacy Canfield; 20 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a brother, Albert E. Theel, and a granddaughter, Caryn Dawn Theel. Funeral services for Mr. Theel will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at Trinity Lutheran Church of McFarland with Pastor Ron Rather officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be at the church on Tuesday from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Mr. Theel will lie in-state at the Stewart Funeral Home of Alma on Tuesday from noon until 5:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church, or St. John Lutheran School, and may be left in care of Stewart Funeral Home, P.O Box 126, Alma, KS, 66401.