The family of Mr. Helmut Felix Thiel is saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the age of 93 years. Helmut was born January 15, 1924 in Berlin, Germany. Helmut came to Canada in the summer of 1953, sponsored by the Canadian Government. These sponsored workers were contracted to assist farmers with completion of the harvesting of their bountiful crops. Dad settled with a family in the Innisfail, Alberta area and was fortunate that they were German speaking. This made adjusting to his new life much easier. His wife, Gisela and daughter, Marlies joined him in January of 1954 and by the spring of that year the family was settled in Red Deer. Son, Michael was born in November of 1954 and son, Andre completed the family in November of 1956. After a number of years of various job experiences, Helmut chose to become a part of the insurance industry, successfully establishing a number of independent agencies. Upon retirement in 1993, Helmut and Gisela made a new home in the Columbia Valley. He enjoyed many happy years with friends until ill health required a move to Red Deer to be nearer to family. Helmut was predeceased by Gisela in 2014. Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Marlies (Lynn) Booth, his son, Michael Thiel and his son, Andre (Laura Morie) Thiel, seven grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. A gathering of friends and family to honor and share memories of Helmut will be held at the Red Deer Golf and Country Club, 4500 Fountain Drive, Red Deer, Alberta on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Donations to the Red Deer Lending Cupboard are greatly appreciated. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.