Elmer V. Thiele, 90, of Owatonna, died Sunday, August 7, 2011 at his home. Elmer Vincent Thiele was born January 28, 1921 in Arcadia, Iowa the son of August and Mary (Leiting) Thiele. When Elmer was young, he moved with his family near Owatonna where they farmed. Elmer attended country school in Merton Township, but his father died and Elmer needed to quit school to help provide. He helped work on area farms sleeping in heated attics and working wherever he was needed. He then worked for the Central Coop in Owatonna. On February 2, 1942, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served during WWII. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA; New London, CT; Bermuda and Guantanamo Bay. He served as a radioman second class on the submarine. Elmer received his honorable discharge in October 1945. Elmer was united in marriage to Lorraine Eastling on June 8, 1946 in Faribault. He returned to Owatonna and began working at the Elks Lodge #1395. Lorraine and Elmer then moved to Northfield and lived there a short while before returning to Owatonna. He began dairy farming and also had jersey cows. He retired from farming and in 1978, Lorraine and Elmer moved to Owatonna. Elmer enjoyed hunting pheasants as well as deer. He enjoyed golfing in his later years and being outdoors. Friday night dances with Lorraine were special to him as they traveled throughout the area dancing at clubs and ballrooms. He was a member of the Elks and was active with Senior Place. He loved old time and big band music. Most importantly Elmer was a family man and he loved being with them. He is survived by his wife Lorraine Thiele of Owatonna; daughter, Lynn (and Steven) Keister of Stillwater; three sons, Thomas Thiele of Owatonna; Terry (and Kathryn) Thiele of Maple Lake; Todd (and LeahN) Thiele of Blaine; nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his parents, a great grandson, a brother, Leonard, and three sisters, Geneva, Myra and Arlene. Visitation will be at Michaelson Funeral Home on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM at United Methodist Church with Pastor Loren Olson officiating. Interment will be in the Maple Lawn Cemetery in Faribault. Military honors will be provided by Steele Co. Military Funeral Unit. Memorials are preferred to United Methodist Church, Owatonna Homecare and Hospice or donor''s choice. Visitation: 08/09/2011 17:00 08/09/2011 20:00 Service: and one hour prior to the service in the church 08/10/2011 11:00