Johann Claus Thiel, 91, of Story City, Iowa, formerly of Nevada, Iowa, died Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Bethany Life in Story City.

He was born June 29, 1934, in Wielhemsburg, Germany, the son of Claus Detlef and Elsa Rosamaria (Kruse) Thiel.

Johann immigrated to the United States from Germany in 1952. He graduated from high school in Germany and attended a vocational agricultural school.

Johann served in the United States Army from 1956 until his honorable discharge in 1959. During his service, he was stationed in Germany.

Johann worked for 42 years at the National Animal Disease Lab, including 18 years in research. He was a life member of the Iowa Branch of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science and, for many years, a member of the National Association for Laboratory Animal Science. He was also a charter member of the Nevada Golden K Kiwanis Club, a member of the Story City Legion and a member of Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada.

In his free time, he enjoyed reading and volunteering at CY Stephens Auditorium in Ames.

Survivors include his sisters, Hilda, Lore and Anke along with nieces, nephews, and cousins, of whom still live in Germany. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sisters, Minna, Else, and Anne (in infancy).

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Chapel at Bethany Life in Story City with Pastor David Burling officiating. Johann will be laid to rest at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery in Nevada, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to Bethany Life – Chaplaincy Fund in memory of Johann.

Rasmusson-Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada has been entrusted with the arrangements for Johann. Condolences may be left at www.rasmussonfh.com.