Helmuth M. “Hal” Thiele Jr.

Helmuth M. “Hal” Thiele Jr.

The history of Milwaukee is steeped in iconic industries such as brewing, meat packing, and leather tanning. Helmuth “Hal” Thiele Jr. played a proud part in that history as the President of Thiele Tanning Company. Hal passed away unexpectedly on January 30th, 2024, at the age of 72, in Grafton, WI.

Hal was born on October 4, 1951, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of the late Helmuth Thiele Sr. and the late Clara (nee Bielefeld) Thiele. He attended St. Paul Lutheran Grade School, in Grafton, and then graduated from Grafton High School with the class of 1969. Hal furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and shortly thereafter joined his parents, at the family leather tannery that was founded in 1934. Both of his parents immigrated to Wisconsin from Germany and settled in the Milwaukee area before the tannery was founded.

Everyone involved in the industry recognized Hal for his commitment and passion to the art of leather tanning. Vendors and customers valued his partnership. When visiting, they could also always count on a wonderful meal at Miss Katie's Diner or the German restaurant Kegel's Inn.

Friends, family, and colleagues cherished Hal for his steadfastness and loyalty in all of his personal and professional pursuits. While an avid sailor in his younger years, he eventually developed a passion for the Argentine tango. He often participated in tango social events, and after much practice and training he eventually became an instructor and taught dance classes locally. Hal also had a fondness for vintage automobiles which he enjoyed tinkering with from time to time.

Hal is survived by his sister, Heidi Proefrock, nephews, Josh (Alisa) Proefrock, Jordan (Erica) Proefrock, and Javan (Christa) Proefrock, niece, Jo Hanna Proefrock, and great-niece, Clara Proefrock. Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Helmuth and Clara Thiele.

The Funeral Service for Hal will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, 5:00 PM at St. Paul Lutheran Church (701 Washington St.), Grafton. Interment will take place at Woodlawn Cemetery, in Grafton. The visitation will take place on Friday, at the church, prior to the Funeral Service from 2:00 PM until 4:45 PM. Memorials to St. Paul Lutheran School or to the American Heart Association are appreciated.