McIndoe Falls, VT- Harold Raymond Hal Thielen, 82, finished his work on earth and returned to Our Lord on August 26, 2012, at The Pines in Lyndonville, VT. Hal was born in Panama, IA, on February 13, 1930, to John and Cecilia (Klein) Thielen. On April 12, 1969, he married Mary Jean Hrinevich. Hal graduated from St. Mary s School in Portsmouth, IA, in 1947, as the class Valedictorian and continued his education, receiving his BA with Honors, from Notre Dame University. He was awarded his Masters from Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, OH. He also studied at the Vanderbilt School of Music in Chicago. Hal was an educator, teacher and school administrator. He began is career at the St. Francis School in Mt. View, CA, moving on to the Gilmour Academy in Gates Mills, OH. He then went to the St. Edwards School in Cleveland, OH, and the St. Agnes School in Flint, MI, before returning to the Gilmour Academy. He continued his career at the Cranbrook School in Bloomfield Hills, MI before going to Brandon Hall in Dunwoody, GA where he retired. Over the years he taught French, English and Religion and advised award winning yearbooks and school newspapers. Following his retirement, he taught SAT classes and served as a private tutor. In 1967, Hal was recognized as a National Impact Teacher. While teaching, Hal inspired his students to excel-many times, in spite of themselves. Teaching and learning were Hal s anchors. While at Gilmour Academy he revived drama productions. A lover of music, he played the organ and piano at church and for private events and directed several men s choruses. Hal and Mary Jean lived in Williston, VT from 1989-1997 and moved to McIndoe Falls in 2005. He belonged to the Holy Cross Brothers for eighteen years, was a Communicant of St. Eugene s Catholic Church in Wells River, VT and was a member of the McIndoe Falls Preservation Group. Hal was devoted to his dog, Rosie, and the sight of her brought a warm smile to his face. He was predeceased by a sister, Velma Ring and two brothers, Jack Thielen and Neil Zimmerman. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Mary Jean Thielen of McIndoe Falls; three sisters, Ella Mae Shaben of Harlan, IA, Janice Marker and husband Donny of West Des Moines, IA, and Carolyn Mortensen and husband Roy of Naples, FL; two brothers, Eldred Zimmerman and wife Germaine of West Des Moines and Richard Zimmerman of Council Bluffs, IA; a sister-in-law, Bonnie Zimmerman of Indianola, IA; 37 nieces and nephews and 77 great nieces and nephews; and hundreds of cousins. Calling hours will be on Wednesday, August 29th from 4-6 PM, with a prayer service at 5:30 PM, at Ricker Funeral Home, 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, NH. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Thursday, August 30th at 10 AM at St. Eugene s Catholic Church, 10 Center Street, Wells River, VT, with Father Vincent Onunkwo officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Safe Water Project in Nigeria, c/o Father Vincent Okunkwo, 113 Upper Plain, Bradford, VT 05033. Hal s family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Joyce Dobbertin for her dedicated care and to all the staff at The Pines for their loving care.