William Theel

William “Bill” A. Theel, 83, of Topeka passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, August 31, 2020.   He was born April 17, 1937 in Meriden, the son of William H. and Caroline Steinmeyer Theel.   He moved to the Berryton community at an early age and went to high school at Berryton.    He joined the Coast Guard and served aboard the Cutter Evergreen.   He returned to Topeka and served his city as a firefighter for 27 years.  He retired from the Topeka Fire Department with the rank of Captain.   He was a member of the American Legion Post #400. He was a scout master and loved being a part of the Boy Scouts.   He remained in contact with a lot of his scouts through the years.   Many of them referred to him as “Uncle Bill”.    Bill loved camping, fishing, hunting, and spending time with his family.

He was married to Rosemarie on July 24, 1992 in Topeka.   She survives.  Other survivors include his children, Randy Theel (Catherine) of Meriden, Kansas, Becky McDermot (John) of Olathe, Kansas, Deana Theel in Florida; stepchildren, B. J. Bonjour (Gabi) of Junction City, Kansas, Rhonda Bonjour of Grantville, Kansas, Kathi Sweet (Brent) of Willard, MO, Mitch Bonjour of Topeka, Kansas,  Sonja Pressgrove (Mike) of Topeka, Kansas and James Blevens in Florida; 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren also survive.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Carolyn Steinmeyer Theel; father, William Henry Theel; brothers, Myron and Norman Theel; son, William “Billy” Theel and sister Theda Sweet.

Mr. Theel willed his body to the University of Kansas Medical School.   A private memorial service will be held on September 12, 2020 and inurnment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery at a later date.   Memorial contributions may be made to Topeka Lutheran School.