Zachary Kaden Esteban Thiel, 18, former resident of LaCrosse, most recently of Hays, KS, passed away much too soon on January 16, 2024, in LaCrosse, KS.
He was born January 6th, 2006, in Hays, KS to parents Larry Thiel Jr., and Stephanie Castañeira.
Known as a kindhearted, generous person, he would often drop anything to help someone out. He enjoyed skateboarding, spending time with loved ones, singing along to his favorite music (usually much too loud), and staying in touch with his friends and family from all over on Snapchat.
Naturally restless, he always seemed to be in a rush either coming from or headed off to somewhere. With his signature red hair and carefree attitude, he was often making people laugh with his sarcastic (and often ornery) sense of humor and infectious smile. He could be stubbornly independent at times and liked to figure everything out for himself, including taking apart any electronic toy or device he could as a young boy and seeing how they worked inside.
Zac had the ability to lighten the mood of those around him. His carefree, 'it is what it is' attitude allowed him to handle life's unexpected curveballs surprisingly well at his young age.
Zac is survived by his father, Larry Thiel Jr., (Gadget), mother, Stephanie Castañeira. Sisters Kayla Rodriguez, Freeport, IL, Rebecca Teeter, Baker City OR, grandparents Sue and Esteban Castañeira, Hays, Uncle Justin Castañeira, Hays. Cousins Dominic Castañeira, Hays KS, Dustin Castañeira, LaCrosse and Makenzie Braun, Hays. Uncle Jason Johnson and cousin Alexis Johnson, Russell KS, great uncle Bill Selsor, Kiowa, KS, Grandfather Larry Thiel Sr., and partner Carolyn McLaglen, Freeport IL. Aunt Audra Baker and her husband Stevie, and cousin Indica, all of Mesa, Arizona, as well as many more aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members.
He is preceded in death by great-grandmother Fern Ryel of Kowa Ks, and great-grandmother Marilyn Thiel of Freeport Illinois.
A memorial service and Celebration of Life is scheduled for Wednesday, at 4 p.m. Jan. 24 at at the First Christian Church, 619 Oak St, La Crosse, KS 67548. Memorial visitation will be at 3 p.m. -until service time at the church. COMFY CASUAL, come as you are... Zac would've wanted everyone comfortable.
Condolences may be left in an online guestbook via: www.keithfuneralchapels.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions to assist Zachary's family with final expenses may be made via tribute pay at: https://keithleyfuneralchapels.com/resources/make-a-payment
Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine St. Hays, KS, 67601.