Janna Thiel

Janna Blanche Thiel went home to Heaven to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, on March 10, 2023, following a four-year courageous battle with cancer.

                Janna was a faithful believer in Christ and used the Word of God to guide her life.  Janna was born on March 13, 1948, to Paul and Virginia Sittler in Del Norte, CO.  Janna graduated in 1966 from Del Norte High School. During her high school years, she was active in band, cheerleading, and her church.  In her spare time, she helped her dad process wild game and fish.  After high school, Janna attended Colorado State College in Greeley, CO and obtained a bachelor’s degree in Education in 1970 as well as a masters degree from Adams State College in 1981.  During college, Janna met the love of her life, Gerry, whom she married on August 22, 1969.  Janna and Gerry were happily married and devoted to each other for 53 years.  Following college graduation, Janna and Gerry resided in Fort Morgan where Janna began an impactful 30-year teaching career.  Janna was a compassionate teacher who inspired all those around her.  Janna and Gerry raised two boys, Marty and Scott.  She enjoyed her time in the stands watching her boys play football, baseball, and wrestling.

                Janna lived life to the fullest.  Her hobbies included attending her grandchildren’s music programs, sporting events, as well as supporting their county fair projects.  During their early years together, Janna and Gerry spent much time jeeping through most of the mountain ranges in Colorado, spending time on the golf course with friends, and bicycling throughout Colorado and many other states.  Janna especially enjoyed quilting and sewing, and throughout the years, made beautiful handmade keepsakes for her children, grandchildren, veterans, and Children’s Hospital patients.  Janna belonged to bridge and card clubs as well as PEO organizations.  Janna was an exceptional host to large gatherings where she could enjoy the company of family and friends.  For many years, she was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and School in Fort Morgan, CO, where she was a school board member and a director of the children’s Christmas service.  She also spent many wonderful years in Surprise, AZ, soaking up the sunshine during the winters with her beloved friends.  Janna was, most recently, a member of Crown of Life Lutheran Church in Surprise, AZ, and of Lutheran Church of the Messiah in Grand Junction, CO.

                Janna is survived by her husband, Gerry, of Fruita, CO; her two sons, Marty (and Bridget) Thiel and Scott (and Shelley) Thiel; seven grandchildren: Kendell, Mikaela, Colten, Rebekah, Malachi, Madison, and Eli Thiel; her brother Curt (and Eileen) Sittler of  Arboles, CO; her sister, Judy (and the late Gary) Osse of Aurora, CO; brother-in-law Bill (and Gloria) of Fort Morgan, CO; brother-in-law Tom (and Becky) of Lincoln, IL; sister-in-law Deanna (and Steve) Thompson of Redmond, WA; as well as many other dearly loved family members and friends.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 11am at Fort Morgan Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Janna Thiel Tuition Assistance Fund for Trinity Lutheran School in Fort Morgan.