Neal Thielke

Neal W. Thielke, of Llano San Juan, New Mexico, passed on peacefully at home on January 13, 2026 with his family by his side.

Neal was born in Buffalo, New York on December 14, 1942 to Mary and Clarence Thielke. He graduated in the Class of 1960 from Seneca Vocational High School. Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1964, Neal was trained as a medic and stationed with an artillery unit in Germany. After being honorably discharged in 1966, Neal chose to remain overseas, traveling throughout Europe and Morocco before returning home.

In the years that followed, his journey brought him to the West coast. After spending time in several western states, in the early 1980’s he settled in beautiful northern New Mexico, where he built an off-the-grid solar-powered adobe home for his family - a place that reflected his independence, creativity and love of the land. Throughout the years, he always stayed involved in volunteerism, community activism and local politics. Neal also continued a strong, devotional connection with the Neem Karoli Baba Ashram and Hanuman Temple in Taos. He was part of their spiritual community that followed a Hindu tradition from India, grounded in love, service and compassion for all people.

Neal is preceded in death by his parents and nephew Lance Thielke. He is survived by his wife Ellen Rink; son Larry Thielke; brothers Lynn Thielke (Myrna) and Richard Springfield; nephew Chad Thielke and niece Amber Thielke Stewart.

Neal lived life to the fullest and though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in our hearts, our stories and our shared memories.

A celebration of Neal’s life will be planned for springtime.

The family of Neal W. Thielke has entrusted the care of their loved one to the caring staff of DeVargas Funeral Home of Taos. 866-657-4019 www.devargastaos.com