Albert "Al" Thiel III

Albert Willem Rudolf Thiel III July 28, 1959-March 9, 2026 Al was born in San Francisco, California on July 28, 1959. His parents were Patricia Helen Menifee and Albert Willem Rudolf Thiel Jr. He moved to Oregon from California 35 years ago. Due to difficult family circumstances at the time, Al was unable to complete high school at the usual time. He worked hard to complete a GED at Linn-Benton Community College and was awarded his degree in 2002. His teachers pronounced him their most motivated student ever and were particularly impressed with his interest and facility in mathematics. In 1998 he met Andrea Mykrantz at square dancing. They were engaged in 1999 and married in 2012. You might not recognize Al in his wedding finery above. You would have seen him in his work uniform or, even more likely, in tie-dye, always tie dye—an expression of joy, everyday. As a family we are most grateful for Al’s devotion to Andrea. He was ever supportive of her and her needs. They enjoyed vacations at the coast several times a year. His phone is full of sunset pictures from those trips. The last part of Al’s career, he was the fuel station manager at the Safeway on Philomath Blvd. The Safeway team was such an important part of Al's life these past 19 years. He truly loved the work, the friendships and customers. It was hard to go anywhere with Al without meeting someone who greeted him warmly. Al was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in August, 2025. It was a difficult ordeal. Al was brave and strong throughout. He was a wonderful human being. We miss him. The suffering is over. When Al was creating his Advance Directive and we asked: ‘What makes life worthy living for you?’ Al answered: ‘Helping people.’ If you knew Al, you know this defined his way in the world. Al is survived by his wife Andrea and his uncle, Robert Menifee. He was much beloved by Andrea’s family: brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and six nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Gunther, as well as his mother-in-law and father-in law, Barbara and Jack Mykrantz. Gifts in Al’s memory can be made to Oregon Cancer Foundation, to help other patients afford their care, Corvallis Caring Place or Lumina Hospice and Palliative Care. A memorial service will take place 2PM Friday, April 24, at Corvallis Community Center. If you have some tie-dye feel free to wear it and make Al smile.

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Albert "Al" Thiel III

July 28, 1959 - March 9, 2026