Henry Aaron Theel, 49, of Hiawatha, died unexpectedly Sunday, November 29, 2015, at his home.

Henry was born April 16, 1966, at St. Joseph, Missouri, the second to the youngest of four children born to Lawrence Robert and Mary Mason Theel.  He had lived most of his life at Hiawatha where he attended school.  Henry enlisted with the 2 BN, 130th FA, Kansas Army National Guard at Hiawatha when he was 17 and served a total of 22 years.  During that time, the Guard unit was deployed to serve in Iraq.  He returned to this area and worked for Sac & Fox Casino for about 10 years at several positions:  security, surveillance and gaming inspector.  He later worked in housekeeping for Hiawatha Community Hospital a few years before moving to Topeka and worked for Guardia.  Henry retired and returned to Hiawatha due to poor health and to be near family.

Survivors include his Mother Mary Theel of Hiawatha; three sisters:   Mary Shaw (Kenneth Kaufman), Marie Schler, Lea Tilton (Carl), all of Hiawatha; and a number of nieces and nephews.  Henry’s best friend was Pete Webster.  He enjoyed his nieces and nephews and being a part of their lives.

He was preceded in death by his father; and a great-nephew Joseph Douglas Kaufman, February 10, 1986.

Memorial services are planned for 11 a.m. Saturday, December 5, at the Christian Center in Hiawatha.  Pastor Tony French will officiate.  Visitation with a lunch provided will immediately follow the services. 

Military honors will be conducted as part of the service. 

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Henry Theel Memorial Fund, sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S 7th St., 66434.

A special message or remembrance may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com