James "Jim" Thiel

James "Jim" Thiel, age 79 of Hastings, passed away at Regina Hospital on Monday morning, January 10, 2022. Jim was born on December 18, 1942, in Glendale, California. With his parents, LaVerne (Madsen) and Ed Thiel, and brother Dick, they moved to Minneapolis, Minnesota via "The Range" and finally settling in Hastings. After graduating from Hastings High School, he went to work at H.D. Hudson Manufacturing until he retired. Jim then found his dream job as a greeter at Walmart where he could joke and kid around with people and get paid for it. Jim was an avid Viking fan (and arm-chair quarterback) always hoping the "Vikes" would make it to another Super Bowl. Now he's singing with the angels because Zimmer and Spielman are gone. (They were the ONLY reason his beloved team did not bring home the trophy). Jim loved the Iron Range Hockey Teams and the Hastings Raiders. He ran the time clock at Raider home games and from his seat next to the penalty box where he was sure to give the players lots of pointers! As a member of the Miesville Mudhens Baseball Board, he took tickets at the home games and created a few items to help in the concession stand. In later years, he could be seen riding his scooter around town and stopping at his favorite haunts- Hastings Family Service and The Dollar Store for a few needed treasures. Often a quick stop at Emily's or Perkins for a snack, and in the Fall, scootering to The Legion, The Bierstube, and The Barber Shop so "Numbers" could find his regulars to sell his Viking board tickets. One summer weekend he was MIA, phone silenced so we couldn't find him for the three days of the "100 Mile Garage Sale." Anything he couldn't carry on his scooter he persuaded them to deliver.... lots of great finds! For the last four years, he has resided at Hastings Senior Health and Living. Our family is so grateful for the kindness and the great care he received from the wonderful staff there. Jim is survived by siblings, Dick (Pat) Thiel, Cheryl (Charlie) Wiederholt, Karyn (Sliv) McGree, and Tom (Bonnie) Thiel; his three great buddies at Augustana, Bob, Bruce, and Greg; and by many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends. Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., with a service to follow at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings. We will celebrate the life of a guy who loved life and people. Jim, you will be truly missed. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.