Welcome to the memorial page for
Otto William Thiele
July 5, 1927 ~ December 15, 2014 (age 87) 87 Years Old Light a Candle
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Message from Linwood Jones
December 31, 2014 12:16 PM
My sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Otto Thiele. It's a great loss to our TRMM community and to me personally. Otto was a close friend to whom I'll always be indebted. Above all, he was a kind and considerate gentleman, and I will miss him.
A candle was lit by Tricia Gregory Aldridge
on December 22, 2014 10:06 AM
Message from Gwen Northcott
December 20, 2014 11:18 PM
Richard and family - So sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers!
Message from S Lewis
December 19, 2014 8:50 AM
Dear family and friends of Otto William Thiele:
I am very sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest sympathy. During difficult times like these, the Bible gives us comfort and a hope found at Revelation 21:4 which speaks of a time when death, pain and mourning will be no more. I pray that this message brings you much comfort. I pray that this message brings you much comfort in the days ahead.
I am very sorry for your loss, please accept my deepest sympathy. During difficult times like these, the Bible gives us comfort and a hope found at Revelation 21:4 which speaks of a time when death, pain and mourning will be no more. I pray that this message brings you much comfort. I pray that this message brings you much comfort in the days ahead.
Message from Laura Walsh Dobrzykowski
December 18, 2014 5:34 PM
Karen and family,
I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing...my heart goes out to you all during this sad time. May you be comforted by all the cherished memories shared by close friends and family. Your dad was a wonderful man and lived a good life. Hang in there and know that many people love and care for you all. Love, Laura
I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing...my heart goes out to you all during this sad time. May you be comforted by all the cherished memories shared by close friends and family. Your dad was a wonderful man and lived a good life. Hang in there and know that many people love and care for you all. Love, Laura
A candle was lit by Laura Dobrzykowski
on December 18, 2014 5:24 PM
Message from Arlin Krueger
December 18, 2014 4:48 PM
My memories of Otto go back to Building 21 in the 1970's when the Nimbus program was developing new observing tools. Otto was always the calm one when everyone else was in a panic. We both knew White Sands and rockets pretty well so there were always tall tales to tell. We later drifted in different directions but it was always a pleasure to run into him. Sorry to see him go on to his next adventure.
A candle was lit by Arlin Krueger
on December 18, 2014 4:39 PM
Message from Ed Zipser
December 18, 2014 1:36 PM
As a long-term member of the TRMM Science Team since about 1986, I quickly came to appreciate the important role that Otto played in getting things done. Yes, Joanne Simpson, Tom Wilheit, Jerry North, and so many on the Science Team may have been the prime movers writing the science plans, but Otto helped us all make it happen. As one of the leaders of the TRMM field campaigns in Texas, Florida, Brazil, and Kwajalein, it was pleasure to watch Otto cut through the red tape and some of the NASA HQ nonsense to help the scientists get things done. I will always
remember Otto as a friend and a gentleman.
remember Otto as a friend and a gentleman.
A candle was lit by Ed Zipser
on December 18, 2014 1:31 PM
Message from Jianixn (Jerry) Wang
December 18, 2014 1:25 PM
I'm sorry to hear about Otto's passing. Otto was my 1st boss in NASA. He hired me right after the launch of TRMM. I'm still at the same post to work on TRMM and GPM. Otto will be truly missed!
A candle was lit by Jianxin (Jerry) Wang
on December 18, 2014 1:16 PM
A candle was lit by Steven Rutledge
on December 18, 2014 12:52 PM
Message from Bob Adler
December 18, 2014 11:09 AM
I knew Otto over many years at Goddard. He was a stalwart and honest guy who got things done. He was one of the three originators of the idea for the TRMM mission back in the 80's, where I knew him best. He was a very key person in the early years of getting TRMM going and getting it to launch in 1997--and beyond. He helped organize the science, helped get the money (very important) and organized and led the ground validation activities. TRMM is near the end of its life and will re-enter the atmosphere next spring-summer--a very successful mission which has led to another joint U.S.-Japan mission--the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission--a follow-on to TRMM. PM was just launched in 2014. So, what Otto helped start continues into the future. When Joanne Simpson was TRMM Project Scientist, she relied on Otto's advice, common sense, and abilities to get this done.
I wish I could have attended the service today, but am on business travel. But, I remember Otto's contribution to our field and all the fun conversations and times at Goddard and elsewhere.
I wish I could have attended the service today, but am on business travel. But, I remember Otto's contribution to our field and all the fun conversations and times at Goddard and elsewhere.
Message from Steven Rutledge
December 18, 2014 10:45 AM
Dear Betty and family:
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Otto Thiele. Otto and I met around 1990 as we were working on the TOGA COARE project together. That started a long professional collaboration, but more importantly, and certainly to me, a long friendship. I wish that I could sit with Otto one more time to hear about his adventures in the Merchant Marine, his time launching rockets during IGY, or on the Vanguard helping the Apollo missions. And maybe one more round of golf together at Paint Branch! As many others have written, Otto had an incredible and adventurous life. All those that knew him were better off and had a fuller appreciation for life because of Otto. Otto was an incredibly friendly person, and a true gentleman. He was so dedicated and committed to his family. I will forever remember Otto and I will miss his friendly smile and our great conversations.
Steven Rutledge
Ft. Collins, CO
I was very saddened to learn of the passing of my friend Otto Thiele. Otto and I met around 1990 as we were working on the TOGA COARE project together. That started a long professional collaboration, but more importantly, and certainly to me, a long friendship. I wish that I could sit with Otto one more time to hear about his adventures in the Merchant Marine, his time launching rockets during IGY, or on the Vanguard helping the Apollo missions. And maybe one more round of golf together at Paint Branch! As many others have written, Otto had an incredible and adventurous life. All those that knew him were better off and had a fuller appreciation for life because of Otto. Otto was an incredibly friendly person, and a true gentleman. He was so dedicated and committed to his family. I will forever remember Otto and I will miss his friendly smile and our great conversations.
Steven Rutledge
Ft. Collins, CO
Message from Toshio Iguchi
December 18, 2014 3:21 AM
I am very sorry to hear of Mr. Thiele's death. His support for the US-Japan joint mission made it possible for us to stay at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and to work for the preparation of TRMM. Without his effort, TRMM would not have been realized. I will never forget his contribution to this very successful mission. Please accept my condolences and good wishes.
A candle was lit by Toshio Iguchi
on December 18, 2014 2:48 AM
A candle was lit by Shannon (Mathews) Donnelly
on December 17, 2014 11:30 PM
A candle was lit by Brad Fisher
on December 17, 2014 8:40 PM
Message from Brad Fisher
December 17, 2014 8:36 PM
I was greatly saddened to hear about Otto. He was a great person to work for and a great supporter of my career in the early 1990s when the TRMM Mission was just getting off the ground. I will miss playing golf with Otto and hearing all the stories about his interesting life. To Otto's whole family, please accept my condolences.
Brad
Brad
Message from Bob Cahalan
December 17, 2014 2:39 PM
Dear Betty,
I was very sorry to hear of Otto's passing, and cherish the memory of interacting with him over many years at Goddard. His was always a cheerful and encouraging presence. His leadership on TRMM was inspiring. I always enjoyed his stories of his earlier years, and of his boating with family and friends on Deep Creek Lake. May the memories also be a consolation to you, and to Otto's whole loving family.
Sincerely,
Bob Cahalan
I was very sorry to hear of Otto's passing, and cherish the memory of interacting with him over many years at Goddard. His was always a cheerful and encouraging presence. His leadership on TRMM was inspiring. I always enjoyed his stories of his earlier years, and of his boating with family and friends on Deep Creek Lake. May the memories also be a consolation to you, and to Otto's whole loving family.
Sincerely,
Bob Cahalan
A candle was lit by Bob Cahalan
on December 17, 2014 2:34 PM
Message from Michael Garstang
December 17, 2014 1:44 PM
As one of the many scientists who worked with Otto during his tenure at NASA Goddard, I will remember him as an able and helpful colleague. He was a gentle and kind man who will be missed by all who knew him. Mike
Message from Vernon and Linda Treibs, Calvin and Olivia Wissemann, Cy and Gail Weich, Thomas and Beverly Carnes
December 17, 2014 12:38 PM
We have many wonderful memories of Otto and his family. Our prayer is for God to comfort each of you as you heal from his passing. All of our love to each of you.
Message from Jerry and Laura North
December 17, 2014 12:00 PM
Otto was one of my dearest and most respected friends at Goddard Space Flight Center. We worked together on many projects and he even got me on a bowling team on which we played for several years until I left Greenbelt for my current job at Texas A&M in 1986. My most memorable experience at GSFC was my participation with Tom Wilheit and Otto (and later with the late Joanne Simpson) on TRMM. Otto introduced me to Tom and coaxed me into getting involved with the project. I was not prepared and he and Tom helped me along. We worked closely in the early stages of the mission. Otto's long experience with the bureaucracy of GSFC and NASA were keys to the success of the mission. Without Otto's participation there would have been no TRMM. He was the kind of man that could get others to work hard on a project. His great charm, integrity and total dedication were essential to the mission. I wish the best to Betty and the family as they get through this sad time. But Otto had a great life. He had a tremendous variety of experiences and a wonderful family.
Jerry North
Jerry North
A candle was lit by Witold F. Krajewski, University of Iowa
on December 17, 2014 11:58 AM
Message from Benjamin Kedem
December 17, 2014 11:01 AM
Dear Family of Otto Thiele,
Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing away of Otto.
I am sure there are many who crossed his path, including myself, who
simply loved that man. I still remember vividly Thanksgiving eve of 1997
at his Goddard office where we raised our cups for the success of the
TRMM mission. Otto was instrumental in the success of the mission.
May he rest in peace.
Benjamin Kedem
Mathematics Department
University of Maryland, College Park
Please accept my deepest condolences for the passing away of Otto.
I am sure there are many who crossed his path, including myself, who
simply loved that man. I still remember vividly Thanksgiving eve of 1997
at his Goddard office where we raised our cups for the success of the
TRMM mission. Otto was instrumental in the success of the mission.
May he rest in peace.
Benjamin Kedem
Mathematics Department
University of Maryland, College Park
Message from David B. Wolff
December 17, 2014 9:03 AM
Dear Betty,
I was so sad to hear about Otto's passing and my and my family's prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Otto hired me straight out of graduate school in 1988 and I never looked back. He was a wonderful boss, a great golf partner and a truly great man.
God bless you all,
David & Rhonie
I was so sad to hear about Otto's passing and my and my family's prayers are with you and your wonderful family. Otto hired me straight out of graduate school in 1988 and I never looked back. He was a wonderful boss, a great golf partner and a truly great man.
God bless you all,
David & Rhonie
A candle was lit by David & Rhonie Wolff
on December 17, 2014 9:00 AM
Message from Emily & Trevor Steel
December 17, 2014 1:18 AM
Dear Betty & family,
We are so sorry to hear about Otto. We had many good times playing in the band and listening to Otto's stories about the Apollo days at NASA. We will miss the Thursday jam sessions with Otto and Betty. Please know that you are all in our thoughts in this sad time.
Love, Emily & Trevor
We are so sorry to hear about Otto. We had many good times playing in the band and listening to Otto's stories about the Apollo days at NASA. We will miss the Thursday jam sessions with Otto and Betty. Please know that you are all in our thoughts in this sad time.
Love, Emily & Trevor
A candle was lit by Nobuhiro Takahashi
on December 17, 2014 12:02 AM
A candle was lit by Kenji Nakamura
on December 16, 2014 11:09 PM
Message from Val & Tony Short
December 16, 2014 11:05 PM
We are thinking of you with love and care, Richard, Liz and all the Thiele family.
Message from N. Fugono
December 16, 2014 10:30 PM
I do not forget your best efforts and contribution for TRMM.
A candle was lit by N. Fugono
on December 16, 2014 10:25 PM
Message from Eric A. Smith
December 16, 2014 10:14 PM
Otto was a fine, no-nonsense man with a wry sense of humor. Like many at NASA, I only knew him as a professional, but it is no surprise to me that he was a great family man to boot. I'm sure he will be missed by many; I certainly will remember him and tell tales in which he was a part.
My sympathies to his close and extended family. I am happy to hear he had a flock of grandchildren. Besides his wife and children, I'm sure his grandchildren will also miss him.
My sympathies to his close and extended family. I am happy to hear he had a flock of grandchildren. Besides his wife and children, I'm sure his grandchildren will also miss him.
A candle was lit by Eric A. Smith
on December 16, 2014 10:07 PM
Message from Susan and Bob Thompson
December 16, 2014 7:21 PM
Betty and family,
Bob and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. What a beautiful write-up on his life and talents. I'm so glad he went to Canada to find his treasure-sweetheart, too. Our love and prayers, Susan and Bob
Bob and I want to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. What a beautiful write-up on his life and talents. I'm so glad he went to Canada to find his treasure-sweetheart, too. Our love and prayers, Susan and Bob
Message from Sandra Smith Santos
December 16, 2014 6:34 PM
What a gentle soul to enter Heaven during this Holiday Season. Otto was one of my favorite people to meet and share a chat with. He was a man of great humility and intellect. Our community will dim from his absence. I will miss him. Godspeed Otto!
A candle was lit by Sandra Smith Santos
on December 16, 2014 6:28 PM
Message from Janet Wood
December 15, 2014 10:55 PM
Betty and Family:
I was so sad today to find out about Otto. I would like to extend my sympathy to you and your family. Family was the most important thing to him, and he loved talking about you all. He was so kind and always such a gentleman. It was an honor to work with him everyday and to hear his many stories. He will be truly missed. I hope that as time heals, that the memories will bring comfort to you.
Janet Wood
I was so sad today to find out about Otto. I would like to extend my sympathy to you and your family. Family was the most important thing to him, and he loved talking about you all. He was so kind and always such a gentleman. It was an honor to work with him everyday and to hear his many stories. He will be truly missed. I hope that as time heals, that the memories will bring comfort to you.
Janet Wood
A candle was lit by Janet Wood
on December 15, 2014 10:48 PM
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