In Memoriam: Bill Thiel

Word has come to us that Bill Thiel, longtime IRM regular member and volunteer in the Electric Car Department, died on Sunday. Bill worked for many years with Frank Sirinek and others on the Chicago streetcars in the collection, notably the 3142 and 141. Bill's specialty was the electrical systems and he was instrumental in wiring up both cars, as well as helping to maintain the service fleet. He was an active motorman until last year, running cars on the streetcar line several times a year including during the Thomas event. He was always a friendly face in operations and a valuable resource in the shop. He will be missed.

A wake is planned for Friday and a service for Saturday; this post will be updated as more information becomes available.