Dear Jacki & Family, It is only now I'm learning of Howard's passing. I had the utmost respect for Howard & all he did to establish the ST organization. It was the most human centered organization of its kind, thanks to him. I still have some publications that are invaluable, all this time later. Howard's contributions changed the world for people w. ST and their loved ones. I will always remember him.
Siobhan J. Dolan RN from NYC
Dear Jackie & family:
We wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Howard, may he rest in peace. He was a treasure, he was everything to ST/Dystonia and nobody could fill his shoes. We miss him dearly as I'm sure you do.
We will keep him and you in our prayers and we will never forget all the hard work you and Howard put into the magazine and the annual symposiums. May God bless you.
Sincerely,
Margaret & Edward Ryan
Dear Jacki,
I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful father, Howard. He made me laugh and feel better about living with ST. He helped so many people and I really enjoyed his symposiums. Thank you for sharing him with all of us with dystonia and your support in his cause. May the wonderful memories help you through these difficult times.
My deepest sympathy,
Ruth Ann Hieta
My heart goes out to Howard's Family. I met Howard 25 years ago at a symposium in Reno. I too have S.T. He asked me if I would like to be on the Board of Directors and I wanting to help other people immediately said YES. Through him I met so many wonderful people and went to the symposiums and become a support group leader as well. I loved writing him a letter when he went on his Honor Flight which he was so proud of. Howard was a great caring person helping so many. I will also remember his positive attitude and his wonderful sense of humor. I am so glad I spoke with him and got to tell him how much he meant to me and so many others. Rest in Peace dear Howard.
In memory of Howard Allan Thiel, Eileen Cahill lit a candle
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Jeff and Family,
We are sorry to learn of the passing of your father, Howard. I enjoyed meeting him years ago at Mike's wedding and know he was a great man. May his soul, and those of all the faithfully departed, rest in peace. You all will be in our prayers.
My heartfelt condolences to Howard's family. He was a great
friend with many great memories.
Thank you, Howard, for teaching your fellow “Dystoniacs” that A) we are not alone and B) we’re alive, we’re awake and we feel great! You quite literally saved my life more than once, and sitting here today, having just learned of your passing, I am so filled with gratitude to have known you and learned positivity from you. Your ST message was always positive and encouraging and from phone calls to the newsletter to the symposiums, you left a legacy of love behind. Your family is doubly blessed to have cherished you. Rest well, friend. You are missed.
It was my extreme pleasure to have know Howard Thiel for more than 25 years. During that time I found Howard to be a thoughtful, complicated man with some strong feelings. It was hard not to like this larger than life figure that he portrayed. He will be sorely missed. My condolences to the entire Thiel clan and to his extended "family" of ST'ers throughout the world. Rest easy my friend you did your job well.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all today. Cousin fran❤
Grandpa Howard,
Thank you for everything you have done for me and for all the others that have had the pleasure of knowing you. You will be missed. Love and sympathy to my parents Hunz and Jacki and to Jeff, John and their families.
Love,
Shaun Piller
Howard is a good friend of our family (Roblee) and is already missed by us. His humor, gentle spirit and kind heart will be with us forever. RIP Howard; until our paths cross again.
I'll deeply miss a friend and friendship that dates back to March 1963 when Howard made an insurance sales cold call. My sympathies to Jeff, John and Jacki. Being close in age to Howard, we recently spoke candidly about our beliefs on mortality. Howard's primary concern was missing his children. That says a lot about him and should let the three of you know how much you were loved.
R.I.P. my friend.
My sincere condolences to Howard's family. Howard improved my experience with dystonia so incredibly much by his personality, humour and the annual symposiums. He took the group of STR's on so many trips to educate, support us and have fun together. He will be missed forever. May he rest in peace.
Howard was a huge part of my life. He was a mentor to me and I will always remember him for the great insights he provided me. I was very fortunate to know him and his wonderful family.
I had planned to call Howard this morning to wish a big 9-0 birthday. After more than 40 years of business and, more importantly, a great friendship I am saddened and will offer prayers for Howard and the entire Thiel family. I get to live on for a while with some great memories of my times with Howard. I can assure that he will not be forgotten by myself and my family members who were touched by Howard's humor and kindness. R.I.P.
Howard was, and will always be, a "special" person in my life! We met after losing my husband of 36 years. He comforted me in so many ways and I will always have a special corner of my heart dedicated to the wonderful memories of our brief, but important time together. The vast number of messages from those who loved Howard is a true testimony of his great character! My sincere condolences on your loss.
We were so blessed to spend the final hours with him..Thank you to all who were spiritually with us as well as the continuing thoughts and prayers...God bless...Favorite BIble verse is John 3 : 16, KJV version if you are interested
What started as a business relationship turned into a great friendship. I'll miss the good times and the incredible conversations that we had. He was a huge advocate for ST'rs...and I'm grateful and humbled that he shared that world with me. Our deepest sympathies to Jacki, Hunz, Jon, Jeff and your families. You'll be missed big guy. See you again at that big beer garden in the sky.
Howard changed my life! He created a place, a world within the world, for people with Dystonia to get together and feel “normal.” He took care of every one of us. He lifted our spirits with his amazing laugh and genuine kindness. He quickly became a very special friend to me. It felt like we had known each other for a lifetime. I will cherish our friendship forever. I miss him so very much! I send my love to all of Howard's family. May his memory live on forever in your hearts.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Howard Thiel came into my life during a time when I basically knew nothing about dystonia. I believe it was around 2004 that I attended my first symposium.
We all fell in love with the man with the big smile, the hearty laugh and the zest for telling a joke.
He was a life savior in so many ways and I will always remember and appreciate the kindness he showed me.
What a great man!!! Rest easy Howard! ♥️
I had the honor and great pleasure of attending I believe it was 14 ST Dystonia golf events. Attended several pre-event backyard cookouts with Howard and many other dear people at Hunz & Jackie's! Howard and I kinda had this special interaction. I will never forget his reaction the first time I kissed him on the cheek! It was all in fun and ended up being a donation challenge! It was a honor and important event to me, I truly enjoyed participating and donating to a very worthy cause. Howard will always be in my prayers and have a very special place in my heart! A dear kind and giving man!!
I was blessed to know Howard as he changed my life with his dedication to improving my life and the lives of ST/Dystonia patients. His dedication to reaching so many in all parts of the country to bring new information through the Symposiums was true love for others. Will miss his big smile and huge heart. Sympathy to his dear family.
Jeannie and Bob
I met Howard through Delana Lynch at a time in my life when pain and despair filled my days and I was not enjoying anything. Howard’s reassurance and attitude changed my outlook. Other treatments were found and we joined the group, making several conferences and trips. Delana and I worked together for the next 20 years, serving others, sometimes in pain but always hopeful. I give God thanks for this fine man.
In memory of Howard Allan Thiel, Linda and Bill Rafferty lit a candle
We are deeply saddened to learn of Howard’s passing. Prayers and love from Bob and I. Great loss for many.
Howard was my a friend and my mentor.
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to Jeff, Jacki , Jon & Family. All I can say is that he was a remarkable man and I will always cherish his friendship for over 30 years. He will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, dear Howard....
In memory of Howard Allan Thiel, Jeannie Davies lit a candle
Hello Jeff, Jacki, Jon and families,
We are sending our condolences to each of you. May good memories comfort you and bring you together as you grieve. Ray is definitely saddened at the loss of his brother which seemed to come much sooner than expected. But they did get a chance to have a very good conversation on Christmas Eve and your Dad fought the good fight very well! May 2021 bring healing and peace. Love from your cousins
Howard made a positive difference in many peoples lives while they dealt with Dystonia. My Daughter was one of those people greatly helped by his passion, dedication and force of will. He was always making a point of telling people with dystonia to value themselves, to find a better way forward. Most of us are lucky to help a person or two in our lives, Howard helped hundreds and hundreds in their time of deepest despair. His impact was exceptional!!
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Sending love, hugs, and prayers to Jacki, Hunz, and all Howard’s family. Howard was bigger than life to those of us with ST Dystonia. It was through Howard and the quarterly dystonia magazine that I read the article about selective denervation surgery by Dr Carlos Arce in Jacksonville, Florida. What a God moment! Fast forward and two surgeries later, I had my life back! Thank you Howard for your kindness, helpfulness, humor, organizational skills, bringing hundreds of ST’rs and their families together from all over the US and Canada, introducing us to doctors and medical professionals who provided us with invaluable care and resources, allowing us to share our stories to inspire others, letting us get to know your heart and soul, making us your family, and finally for saving so many lives. I’ll always cherish our times at the symposiums and always remember with joyful tears the crinkled up twenty dollar bill you presented to a hurting newcomer reassuring them of their value. Rest In Peace my friend!
After working with Howard for 20 years with ST Dystonia, I can say those were some of the best years of my life. His help for other ST’rs was memorable and an ultimate devotion of his life.
Sending my sincere sympathy to all of his family!
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.