Mary Carolyn Thiel passed away Tuesday January 30, 2024 at Pine Village nursing home in Moundridge, Kansas. She was born on December 20, 1939 in Topeka, Kansas the daughter of Merle and Matilda (Binger) Holbrook.

Carolyn grew up in Topeka and attended school there graduating from Topeka High in 1957. She excelled at school and found her footing as a member of the theater department bringing a painfully shy person out of her shell. The next step of her journey saw her head to Kansas State University where she majored in English with an eye towards becoming a librarian until her future husband Thurston entered the picture.

On May 21, 1960, she married Thurston Thiel in Topeka, Kansas and soon they were on their way to fulfilling Thurston’s 3-year commitment to Army service. During this time the couple were stationed in multiple locations throughout the U.S., and eventually ended up in Germany for 2 years. This was a very exciting time for the young couple as they had the opportunity to travel all over Europe, and many of Carolyn’s fondest memories were of this “extended” honeymoon.

After their Army service the couple moved back to Gypsum to begin their life as a ranch family with the couple welcoming a daughter Rebecca Lynn in 1965 and a son Andrew Kurtis in 1978. Carolyn was a devoted mother and homemaker, and fierce believer in the power of education. Although Carolyn never participated in sports, she loved watching her children participate and constantly cheered them on in all of their endeavors.

In 1990, Carolyn decided it was time to enter the workforce, and began her career as a stocker at Target for well over a decade. Carolyn made many friends while working at Target, and she truly enjoyed helping others as well as the measure of independence her job provided.

Carolyn was a lifelong member of Temple Church and viewed her church family as integral for a “city” girl trying her best to learn the ins and outs of farm life. This community of believers led by her mother-in-law Elsie helped Carolyn navigate the difficult transition of becoming a farm wife, and helped her to excel as a mother, wife, and believer in Christ.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband Thurston Thiel, her parents, Merle and Matilda Holbrook and sister Sally Hayes. She is survived by her daughter, Becky Cooper (Randy) of Gypsum, and son Andy Thiel (Janelle) of Gypsum and grandchildren, Cade and Bryce Cooper, and Haley, Adam, Hannah, and Eli Thiel.

Cremation has been selected. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Wednesday February 7, 2024 at Temple Church, 9657 Amos Rd Gypsum, Kansas. Pastor Craig Rankin will be officiating with burial to follow at Temple Church Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the staff at Pine Village for their compassionate care and support.

Memorial contributions may be made to Temple Church, in care of Carlson-Geisendorf Funeral Home and Crematory, 500 S. Ohio St., Salina, Kansas 67401.