Carol Joy Thiel

Carol Joy (Sielaff) Thiel, May 13, 1933-February 22, 2024, a daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and child of God. Carol was the consummate caretaker to everyone in her life. Born in Elmhurst, IL to Walter and Martha Sielaff, Carol grew up in Chicago, IL where she graduated from Oak Park and River Forest High School. Carol married the love of her life, Robert (Bob), on October 2, 1952, and was happily married for 71 years. Carol split her 45 years prior to retirement between being a magnificent homemaker and an Executive Assistant for Kraft Foods from which she retired in 1996. Carol and Bob raised four children and shared in the raising of 12 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

Carol was a lifelong Lutheran saint which was the foundation of her life as a beloved child of God. Carol’s church homes always served as an extension to her family where she made lifelong friendships and served her Lord in many capacities. She was an avid reader and sports fan and had a unique love of cleaning. In each of her houses, Carol could be found washing walls and windows in early Spring, and rarely letting a dish rest before swooping it up to be cleaned and put away. She created a warm and loving home for her family, opened it to extended family and friends and was the most gracious host.

Carol’s family and friends were privileged to be a part of her life and will most certainly miss her grace and care for years to come. She has left a legacy of strong faith, servant leadership and care for all. Her family will carry out her legacy with great pride and aching hearts.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Martha, her brother Russel Sielaff, sister Lotus May Murphy and her cherished daughter Loellen Conrad. She is survived by her husband, Bob; son-in-law Rick Conrad; sons, Gregory (Christine) and John (Karen); daughter Kristen (Richard) Wolfred; grandchildren Stephanie, Douglas, Nicholas, Lindsey, Troy, Stephanie, Clark, Caroline, Kirk, Stephani, Samantha, Louis, Logan, Zachary, Sophie, Jacob, Alexander, Kristen, Jordan and Jack; great grandchildren Brett, Laney, Carson, Elise, Landen, Audrey, Lacey, Wayne and Harper Rae; her nieces and nephews and their families; and many, many friends.

Visitation is scheduled from 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2024, at Servants of Christ Lutheran Church, 7650 Oaklandon Rd, Indianapolis. A funeral service will immediately follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Servants of Christ Mission Endowment Fund or the V Foundation for Cancer Research in Loie Conrad’s name, Donate to The Loie Conrad and Stacey Sanders Giving Page. The family welcomes memories and messages in their online guest book at https://www.flannerbuchanan.com/carol-thiel.