Michael Robert Thiel born November 29, 1947 in New Orleans Louisiana and was a lifelong resident of Metairie Louisiana.  
Affectionately known as "Big Mike"; he was a loving son, brother, daddy, friend and teacher who died of cancer on July 28, 2012
peacefully surrounded by his family at the age of 64.

Big Mike was preceded in death by his parents Mr. Vernon Louis Thiel, Jr. of New Orleans, LA; Mrs. Betty Jean Achor Thiel of New
Vienna, Ohio and brother Timothy Thiel, Sr. of New Orleans.

Michael served in the United States Army as an SP4 Combat Engineer with the 104th Engineer Company in Vietnam from October
25, 1967 to December 4, 1968 . He was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War.

Michael was a Master Machineist, who retired in 2005 after 35 years of teaching Machine Tool Technology in Chalmette, Louisiana.
Mr. Thiel taught at St. Bernard High School until the vocational technology center was closed and continued his career at Elaine P.
Nunez Community College where he was both a student and teacher. Mr. Thiel progressed from Associate Professor to Assistant
Professor and retired as a Professor of Machine Tool Technology. He was also the Meraux Endowed Professor from 2001 to 2004.

Survivors include brothers Andy Thiel (Maxine), Dan "Danny Boy" Thiel, Steven Thiel (Vicky), Kris Thiel (Jenny), Terry "Whitey"
Thiel (Cindy) and sister Anne "Annie" Thiel; son Michael Albert
"Tootie" Thiel, Sr.(Christine), Daughters Michelle "Missy" Thiel Schellinger (Lester, III) and Melanie "Baby Brat" Thiel Saunee'
(Jules, IV). Big Mike was the Dooda to Sydney Schellinger, Cole Schellinger, Michael Albert Thiel, Jr., Joe Thiel, Melody Thiel, Kady
Thiel, Jules "Johnny 5" Saunee' and Thomas "Tommy" Michael Saunee'. Big Mike is also survived by his many beloved nieces and
nephews.

Big Mike was a long time Deputy Sheriff of the St. Bernard Parish Sheriff's Office, an Honorary Captain of the New Orleans Police
Department, and was awarded the key to the City of New Orleans. Michael was also was the patent holder for an under water rescue
device known as the P.D.T. A master gunsmith, Michael was a talented woodworker and metalsmith who enjoyed building custom
firearms. A member of the National Rifle Association, Big Mike spent his time with friends and fellow gun lovers at the St. Bernard
Pistol and Rifle Club Range. Big Mike was an avid outdoors man who loved fishing, hunting and SCUBA diving.