Paul A. Thoele, 99 of Teutopolis, passed away Thursday morning, July 26, 2018 at HSHS St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2018 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, Teutopolis, with burial in St. Francis Cemetery. A parish prayer service will begin at 4:00 p.m. followed by visitation until 7:00 p.m., Sunday evening at the church. Memorials may be made to the donor's choice. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bauerfh.com.

Paul was born June 24, 1919 in Teutopolis, the son of Ferd and Sophia (Kemme) Thoele. He married the love of his life, Millie Ruholl Thoele, on October 5, 1946. They were blessed with 66 years of marriage which resulted in seven children, seven loving in-laws, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. They were proud to run a family farm, and he also worked at the Effingham ASC office surveying land. Paul was a progressive farmer and was at the forefront of many new farming practices for his time. He followed these years of farming with a long retirement filled with many activities including golf, fishing, bowling, playing cards, gambling, pool, and much more.

Paul was very proud of his family and their many accomplishments. He was also proud of being able to live at home through his golden years with the help of his children and caregivers. Paul was an avid, lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan, even having the opportunity to attend a St Louis Cardinals World Series game. Earlier in his life, he was a Teutopolis School Board member, St. Francis Holy Name Society officer, and Teutopolis Knights of Columbus member.

Paul is survived by his sons, Jerry (Fran) of Teutopolis, Larry (Barb) of Teutopolis, Linus (Cate) of Teutopolis and Tony (Sue) of Dieterich; daughters, Ruth Kerner of Newton, Kate (Rick) Koester of Teutopolis and Jean (Rick) Schumacher of Teutopolis; brothers-in-law, Tony (Vera) Zens, Bernie (Dorothy) Ruholl and Allie (Dorothy) Ruholl; sister-in-law, Agnes Ruholl; 28 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Paul was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Millie; two grandchildren, Alison Thoele and Jeff Kerner; brother, Ralph Thoele; sister, Leona Zens; son-in-law, George Kerner; brothers-in-law, Louis Bushur and Ambrose Ruholl; sisters-in-law, Delores Thoele and Florence Bushur.