Daryl Albert Thiel

Daryl Albert Thiel

Daryl Albert Thiel, age 77, of Bonners Ferry, Idaho, passed away on Oct. 18, 2019, at his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

He was born and raised in Eau Claire, Wis., on Jan. 29, 1942. Daryl went to EC Memorial High School and graduated in the class of 1960, he then attended the University of Arizona in Tucson, where he studied architecture.

Daryl served with the Wisconsin National Guard for six years as a communications officer. During that time, he worked as a surveyor for Eau Claire County. He lived in Fall Creek, and then moved to Bowling Green, Ky., and to Mauston, Wis., where he worked for Mathy Construction, LaCrosse, Wis.

In 1986, he moved to Bonners Ferry after purchasing Sandaker Excavating and starting American Materials, Inc. which is still in operation today. Daryl had a passion for hunting and being in the outdoors. He also had a passion for speed — either taking jet boat rides up the Kootenai River, skiing, snowmobiling and hot rods, including his 1957 Chevy and 1940 Willys Coupe.

On Nov. 13, 1971, Daryl married Elizabeth (Buzz) Eggelston and together they raised two children. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; their children Erika (John) Jeffries and Tate (Brandy) Thiel; grandchildren Avalon, Annika and Emil; sister Karen (Jim) Severson; and many nieces and nephews.

Daryl is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Alice Thiel; sister Donna Mattson; and niece Lily Severson. A private service will be held at his cabin on Katka Mountain, Idaho, with a Celebration of Life at 3 p.m. Nov. 3, 2019, at The Northwoods Tavern.

The Thiel Family would like to thank the Auburn Crest Hospice and Wellspring Meadows for their excellent and compassionate care they provided Daryl in his final days.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in tribute to Daryl to the Parkinson’s Foundation at www.parkinson.org. To express condolences online please visit www.bonnersferry funeralhome.com.