Austin Jacob Thiel

Austin Jacob Thiel, age 20, of Defiance, Ohio, passed away, two years to the day of his grandfather, on Saturday, January 21, 2017, while he was doing a good deed. He was helping move a disabled car from the road, because that is the kind of guy he was, always helping others. “Thiel” or “Big Thiel” as he was known to his close friends, was always there to help others. Austin was a 2015 graduate of Defiance High School, where he was an honor student (since kindergarten) and athlete. He received six letters at DHS, four in football and two in track. He was dedicated to being healthy, strong and doing the right thing. He wouldn’t march to the beat of a different drummer, he was his own drummer! He was currently in his sophomore year at The Ohio State University in Pre-Law with a major of English, where he also worked at The Marketplace. Austin was born on July 11, 1996, in Bryan, Ohio, the son of Tania R. Thiel and Dennis W. Wann, Jr. He is survived by his parents, brother, Devin Jordan Thiel; maternal grandmother, Laura Thiel, of Camden, Michigan; paternal grandfather, Dennis (Dolly) Wann, Sr., of Antwerp, Ohio; maternal great-grandmother, Patricia Hayden, of Paulding, Ohio; many aunts, uncles and cousins; and his best friend and brother, Zach Hale, of Defiance. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Cleo Thiel, and paternal grandmother, Diane Batt. A time to celebrate Austin’s life will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2017, from 11:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Krill Funeral Home, 860 West Mulberry Street, Bryan. A dinner will be held at the Bryan AmVets Post 54, beginning at 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Austin’s name are requested to the Defiance Athletic Boosters.