Jeff Thiel

Mr. Jeff Thiel of Belgium passed away unexpectedly at his home early Thursday morning, Nov. 25, 2021. He was 60 years old.

Jeff was born Jan. 9, 1961, the son of Harold and Virginia Watry Thiel.

He grew up in Fredonia and attended local schools, graduating from Ozaukee High School, Class of 1979.  

He helped out on the family farm, Thiel’s Mini-Farm, helping pick vegetables by hand, later working at Dollert’s farm and running bulk milk pick up before taking a job at Groth’s Wells in Cedarburg, where he worked for 15 years.

Jeff then became an “Amish Picker,” a job that he loved with his whole heart, and began a resale store in the Amish community near Pardeeville. He became very involved with the Amish community, frequently driving people to appointments and helping them in whatever way he could.

While he was bartending at The Four Wheeler in Fredonia, Jeff met Jean Roller. They quickly became a couple.

In 1992, they moved to Belgium and continued raising their son Justin “JJ” Roller. He preceded Jeff in death in 2005.

 Mr. Thiel had been a member of the Cedar Grove–Belgium School Board, a member of the Belgium Village Board and a member of the Kettle Moraine Four-Wheeler Club.  

Jeff enjoyed going to rummage sales and preparing to sell items at the annual Belgium Rummage Sale (his favorite time of year!), always keeping an eye out for special items his family and friends might enjoy.

In his spare time, Jeff found interest in going to the local courthouse and watching court cases, watching NASCAR, going to races like the Milwaukee Mile, getting his Friday fish fry with Jean and friends at Hobo’s or other local restaurants, and playing a good game of sheepshead.  

Jeff had a big heart and loved to help others, but he enjoyed being with his family the most.

Those left to cherish his memory include Jean of Belgium, his sister Karen (the late Steve) Konitzer of Maniwa, and brothers Robert (Sandi) of Fredonia, Harold of West Bend and Gary (Jenny) of Beaver Dam.

He is further survived by nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, special brother- and sister-in-law John and JoAnn Roller of Fredonia, other family and many friends.  

Jeff was preceded in death by his parents, son JJ, infant niece Jessica and nephews Sean and Chad.

 A celebration of Jeff’s life will take place at a later date.

Memorials, if desired, are suggested to the JJ Roller Scholarship at Cedar Grove-Belgium High School.

The family wishes to thank the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Department, particularly Deputy Jacob Buscher, the Belgium First Responders, and the Fredonia Ambulance for all of their assistance on Thursday.

The Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.